TITLE: United States Office of Foreign Assets Control Removes Counter Narcotics and Russia-Related Designations from Sanctions List
BODY:
On March 31, 2026, the United States Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) removed multiple individuals and entities from its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List.
The removals included several Mexican nationals previously designated under counter-narcotics sanctions programmes. Luis Rodriguez Olivera and his aliases, based in Jalisco and Guadalajara, Mexico, were delisted, as were Esteban Rodriguez Morfin and his associated aliases operating across multiple Mexican locations. Additionally, Colombian national Hector Mario Urdinola Alvarez, also known as "Chicho," and his linked entity Joyeria Manuella H.M. based in Cali, Colombia, were removed from the SDN List.
The action also included removals of Russia-related designations under Executive Order 14024. Three vessels flagged to Russia were delisted: the FESCO Moneron (container ship, 7,519 gross register tonnes, IMO 9277412), the FESCO Magadan (container ship, 7,519 gross register tonnes, IMO 9287699), and the SV Nikolay (general cargo vessel, 5,897 gross register tonnes, IMO 9482926). These vessels had been subject to secondary sanctions risk designations and were linked to Russian entities including PSB Lizing OOO and Alfa-Lizing OOO.
The delisting of these individuals, entities, and vessels removes restrictions on transactions with U.S. persons and entities. Parties previously prohibited from engaging with the designated targets may now conduct business, subject to compliance with all applicable sanctions regulations and programmes.
REFERENCE:
Office of Foreign Assets Control. Counter Narcotics Designations Removals; Russia-related Designations Removals. March 31, 2026. Available at: https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions