The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned two companies linked to the Wagner Group in the Central African Republic (CAR). Mining Industries SARLU and Logistique Economique Etrangere SARLU have been designated under Executive Order 14024 for their involvement in supporting Wagner Group security operations and illicit mining activities.
Since its establishment in CAR in late 2017, the Kremlin-backed Wagner Group and companies previously controlled by Yevgeny Prigozhin have created a significant security and business network in the region. This network has facilitated Russia's destabilizing activities, impacting CAR's sovereignty through destructive operations and illegal mining ventures involving gold, diamonds, and logging. OFAC had previously taken action against other Wagner Group-linked entities in CAR, including Lobaye Invest, Midas Ressources SARLU, and Bois Rouge SARLU.
Brian E. Nelson, Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, stated: “The Russia-backed Wagner Group and its network of businesses have exploited the people and natural resources of the Central African Republic to advance the group’s agenda. The United States will continue to use its sanctions authorities to disrupt those supporting Russia’s destabilizing activities in Africa.”
Mining Industries SARLU is a CAR-based mining company used by Valery Chekalov, Wagner Group’s chief logistician who reportedly died alongside Prigozhin in August 2023. The company leased aircraft from Kratol Aviation to transport personnel and equipment across Africa. Additionally, Mining Industries imported chemicals commonly used in mining operations.
Logistique Economique Etrangere SARLU received numerous shipments of heavy materials from Broker Expert, a Russian company linked to Prigozhin that supports Russian interests globally. These shipments were likely intended for Wagner Group-linked illicit mining projects.
OFAC designated Mining Industries under Executive Order 14024 for being owned or controlled by the Wagner Group. Logistique was designated for providing material support to Broker Expert.
The United States has imposed sanctions on various entities supporting the Wagner Group due to its widespread human rights abuses and appropriation of natural resources across Africa. The group has conducted combat operations worldwide, including participating in Russia's war against Ukraine.
As part of these sanctions, all property and interests belonging to designated persons within U.S. jurisdiction are blocked. Transactions involving these properties are generally prohibited unless authorized by OFAC.
Financial institutions engaging with sanctioned entities may also face penalties or enforcement actions. The goal of these sanctions is not punitive but aims at encouraging positive behavioral changes among targeted entities.
For more information on seeking removal from an OFAC list or details on today's designations, refer to OFAC’s Frequently Asked Question 897.
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