Venture capital firm self-reports sanctions violations of M&A target to DOJ, receives declination
By 
Aaron Nicodemus2025-06-17T19:34:00
After self-reporting that a recently purchased subsidiary had broken U.S. sanctions and export control laws, a Texas-based venture capital fund will receive no penalty from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
The DOJ announced Monday that it issued the declination to White Deer Management in December 2024 for “uncovering a hidden history of sanctions violations” by an acquisition target, Unicat Technologies, as well as Unicat’s founder and former CEO, Mani Erfan.
Related articles
-
News BriefOFAC hits GVA Capital with $216M penalty for servicing sanctioned Russian oligarch
A San Francisco venture capital firm will pay a $216 million fine to the U.S. Treasury for violating U.S. sanctions by managing investments for a Russian oligarch.
-
News BriefDOJ charges crypto executive with laundering $530M for sanctioned Russian banks
The Department of Justice has charged the founder of cryptocurrency company Evita with 22 violations for allegedly laundering more than $500 million through U.S. banks and cryptocurrency exchanges, on behalf of sanctioned Russian entities.
-
News BriefTreasury reversal of OFAC sanctions against Tornado Cash signals eroding AML scrutiny
The U.S. Treasury Department lifted its sanctions against cryptocurrency mixer Tornado Cash on Friday after a federal appeals court ruled in November the penalty levied by the agency’s Office of Foreign Assets Control was an overreach.
More from Sanctions
-
News BriefOFAC, FinCEN tighten screws on Sinaloa Cartel’s money laundering network
The Trump administration has taken two actions to attack money laundering rings operating in Mexico, highlighting the U.S. government’s focus on curbing the fentanyl trade and the illegal profits it generates.
-
PremiumExperts question effectiveness of new enforcement tool SFO is finally wielding
The U.K.’s Serious Fraud Office has made its first use of an enforcement tool that was meant to bring oligarchs and kleptocrats to book. But lawyers are unsure whether the move signifies either a change in direction or fortune for the agency.
-
PremiumEvolving sanctions rules make continuous screening, due diligence essential in 2025
The EU and U.K. have rushed to commit themselves to intensifying action on sanctions evasion after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s victory, but any compliance managers who believe Trump will make global sanctions compliance easier in 2025 are likely to be disappointed.