Denmark Proposes Longer Prison Sentences for Sanctions Violators
Denmark is considering new legislation that could punish EU sanctions violators by sentencing them to up to eight years in prison, an uptick from the current maximum four-month sentence, the country’s Ministry of Justice said this week. And if there are "aggravating circumstances," the ministry said, certain offenders could face up to eight years, according to an unofficial translation.
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Minister of Justice Peter Hummelgaard said the country specifically wants to “crack down” on Danish companies violating EU sanctions against Russia and Belarus. He noted that the Danish bill proposes to go “significantly further than the EU's minimum rules” for sanctions enforcement penalties.
“From the Danish side, we must send a clear signal that we support effective enforcement of EU sanctions,” Hummelgaard said.
If enacted, the bill would increase the penalty for violations of sanctions in Denmark's criminal code, the ministry said. The bill also outlines “rules that correspond to parts of EU Directive 2024/1226 on what is to be considered criminal offences and sanctions for violations of EU sanctions.”
The ministry added that it “takes a very serious view of individuals and Danish companies that violate and circumvent EU sanctions” against Russia by, “for example, exporting products that could contribute to Russia's military.”