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  "path": "/money/russia-sanctions-keir-starmer-vladimir-putin",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-17T12:00:02.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "UK inflation holds at 2.8% but farmers warn food prices will rise after Iran conflict",
    "Britons to subsidise French energy bills as 'wasteful' rules mean £16bn sold off for cheap overseas",
    "Council forced to scrub £67,250 debt after soap company collapse leaves HMRC out of pocket",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nA travel technology company has been hit with a record £1million fine for breaching UK sanctions on Russia, prompting a warning from Sir Keir Starmer that those attempting to evade restrictions will face enforcement action.\n\nThe penalty imposed on Sabre Global Technologies Limited is the largest issued for Russia‑related breaches since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nHM Treasury’s Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) concluded the company made funds and economic resources available to a designated Russian airline.\n\nThe case is being viewed as a significant test of the Government’s commitment to enforcing sanctions intended to support Ukraine and restrict Russia’s ability to finance its military operations.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nAccording to OFSI, Sabre continued providing services to Ural Airlines for seven months after the carrier was designated under UK sanctions in May 2022.\n\nThe company operates a global distribution system used by airlines and travel businesses to process bookings.\n\nOfficials said Sabre was notified of Ural Airlines’ designation on the day the sanctions came into force, yet continued allowing access to its services for an extended period.\n\nInvestigators also found that when payments to the company’s UK bank accounts were blocked due to sanctions concerns, alternative arrangements were explored to continue receiving funds.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nSabre asked Ural Airlines to send a test payment to a non‑UK bank account held by the company to assess whether future payments could be routed through it.\n\nOFSI concluded this amounted to an attempt to circumvent UK sanctions, marking the first time the regulator has issued a financial penalty specifically linked to a circumvention offence under the Russia regime.\n\nSir Keir said the Government would continue pursuing those who undermine sanctions imposed on Moscow.\n\n“Those who seek to evade our sanctions regime and support Putin’s cronies should be in no doubt, we will come after you,” the Prime Minister said, adding maintaining economic pressure on Russia remained central to the UK’s strategy.\n\n### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS\n\n\n\n\n  * UK inflation holds at 2.8% but farmers warn food prices will rise after Iran conflict\n  * Britons to subsidise French energy bills as 'wasteful' rules mean £16bn sold off for cheap overseas\n  * Council forced to scrub £67,250 debt after soap company collapse leaves HMRC out of pocket\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nChancellor Rachel Reeves said the record penalty “sends a clear message” the Government will take decisive action against those who breach sanctions and “help fund Russia’s war machine”.\n\nThe UK has imposed sanctions on more than 3,300 individuals, businesses and vessels since introducing its Russia sanctions regime.\n\nMinisters argue economic restrictions remain a key tool in limiting Russia’s access to international markets and financial services.\n\nThe latest penalty follows further measures announced in May targeting sectors seen as supporting Russia’s wartime economy, including cryptocurrency exchanges and maritime services.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe fine against Sabre was imposed under OFSI’s settlement policy and is the third enforcement case concluded through that framework.\n\nOfficials said the case demonstrates the regulator’s willingness to act against organisations that breach or attempt to circumvent sanctions rules.\n\nThe company was fined under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, which form the principal legal framework governing UK sanctions against Russian individuals and entities.\n\nThe record‑breaking penalty is expected to be closely examined by internationally operating businesses as authorities continue to increase scrutiny of sanctions compliance and enforcement procedures.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "'We will come after you!' Keir Starmer issues warning as UK hands out record £1million Russia sanctions fine"
}