Research Analyst Assignment.

1. Can you provide an explanation of AML/KYC/CFT and how they are used in
the financial industry to prevent money laundering, terrorist financing, and
other illicit activities?
Ans: AML (Anti-Money Laundering): It refers to a set of laws, regulations, and procedures
designed to prevent criminals from disguising illegally obtained money as legitimate income.
The goal of AML is to detect and report suspicious activities that could involve money
laundering, terrorist financing, and other illicit financial operations.

Financial institutions use AML measures to prevent illegal activities by:

• Verifying customer identities to ensure they are legitimate.
• Monitoring transactions for unusual or suspicious activities.
• Reporting suspicious transactions to regulatory authorities.
• Implementing strict compliance policies to prevent financial crimes.

2. What are Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs)? What are the key risks
associated with dealing with Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs)?
Ans: Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) are individuals who hold or have held high-ranking
public positions, such as government officials, politicians, judges, military leaders, or
executives of state-owned enterprises. Due to their influence and access to public funds, PEPs
are considered at a higher risk for corruption, bribery, and money laundering.

Key Risks Associated with Dealing with PEPs:

• Increased Risk of Corruption:
o PEPs may be susceptible to bribery and corruption due to their positions of
power.
o They may use their influence to enrich themselves or their associates.
• Money Laundering:
o PEPs can use their positions to launder illicit funds through the financial
system.
o This can involve complex schemes to obscure the origin of the funds.
 • Reputational Risk:
o Financial institutions and other businesses that deal with PEPs face a higher
risk of reputational damage if they become involved in a scandal.
o If a financial institution is found to be processing money from corrupt PEP's,
that institution will suffer reputational damage.
• Regulatory Scrutiny:
o Transactions involving PEPs are subject to increased regulatory scrutiny.
o Financial institutions are required to conduct enhanced due diligence (EDD) to
mitigate the risks.
• Difficulty in Tracing Funds:
o PEPs may use complex financial structures and offshore accounts to hide their
assets, making it difficult to trace the origin and destination of funds.

3. What are the different regulatory bodies that are responsible for enforcing
sanctions? explain the key differences between these authorities in terms of
their scope, target entities and individuals, legal frameworks, and impact on
the global economy.
Ans: Several regulatory bodies enforce sanctions globally to prevent financial crimes,
terrorism financing, and human rights violations. Some key authorities include:
Regulatory Bodies Responsible for Enforcing Sanctions:
1. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) - USA
- Scope: Enforces US sanctions programs, targeting countries, entities, and individuals.
- Target entities/individuals: Foreign governments, companies, and individuals.
- Legal framework: US sanctions laws and regulations.
- Impact: Significant, as US sanctions can restrict access to the US financial system.
2. European Union (EU) - European Commission and Council
- Scope: Enforces EU sanctions programs, targeting countries, entities, and individuals.
- Target entities/individuals: Countries, companies, and individuals outside the EU.
- Legal framework: EU regulations and decisions.
- Impact: Significant, as EU sanctions can restrict access to the EU market.
3. United Nations (UN) - Security Council
- Scope: Imposes sanctions on countries, entities, and individuals threatening
international peace and security.
- Target entities/individuals: Countries, companies, and individuals.
- Legal framework: UN Charter and Security Council resolutions.
 - Impact: Global, as UN sanctions are binding on all member states.
4. Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
- Scope: Sets global standards for anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the
financing of terrorism (CFT).
- Target entities/individuals: Countries, financial institutions, and non-financial
businesses.
- Legal framework: FATF recommendations and guidelines.
- Impact: Influences global AML/CFT policies and practices.
5. United Kingdom - Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI)
- Scope: UK jurisdiction, with increasing international cooperation.
- Targets: Similar to OFAC, targeting those who threaten UK national security.
- Legal Framework: UK sanctions legislation.
- Impact: Significant, particularly in the financial sector, given London's status as a
global financial center.
Key Differences:
1. Scope:
a. The UNSC has the broadest, global scope.
b. OFAC's reach is extensive due to the U.S. dollar, but primarily U.S.
c. OFSI is focused on the UK, and the EU on its member states.
2. Targets:
a. While all aim to address threats, the specific targets vary based on each
authority's priorities.
b. For example, OFAC may focus on specific threats to U.S. interests, while the EU
may prioritize human rights.
3. Legal Frameworks:
a. Each authority operates under its own legal framework, which can lead to
variations in how sanctions are implemented and enforced.
b. UNSC sanctions are based on the UN charter, where as OFAC sanctions are
based on US law.
4. Impact on the Global Economy:
a. U.S. sanctions, particularly those enforced by OFAC, have a disproportionately
large impact due to the dollar's global role.
b. UN sanctions have broad, global effects.
c. EU and UK sanctions also have substantial affects on global trade and
finance.
4. What are the current sanctions regimes and regulations in place in the
country/region of interest, and how do they impact businesses and individuals?
Ans: India follows United Nations (UN) sanctions and does not have its own independent
sanctions list. This means that individuals and entities designated by the UN, such as those
linked to terrorism or illegal activities, are subject to restrictions within India.

• UN Sanctions: India adheres to sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security

Council (UNSC), which include measures against individuals and entities linked to
terrorism or other illegal activities. This means that India implements and enforces
the sanctions as outlined by the UN.
• No Independent Sanctions List: India does not maintain its own extensive
independent sanctions list separate from the UN. Instead, it enforces restrictions
based on the designations made by the United Nations.
• Impact on Individuals and Entities: Individuals and entities designated by the UN,
such as those involved in terrorism or organized crime, face restrictions in India. This
can include asset freezes, travel bans, and prohibitions on financial transactions.
Impact on Businesses and Individuals
• Operational Restrictions: Companies may face limitations on trading with certain
countries or individuals, leading to potential loss of business opportunities.
• Supply Chain Issues: Companies may face delays or bans on importing/exporting
certain goods, especially if linked to sanctioned regions.
• Increased Compliance Costs: Businesses need to invest in compliance measures to
ensure they are not inadvertently engaging with sanctioned entities, which can raise
operational costs.
• Reputational Risk: Companies associated with sanctioned individuals or entities may
suffer reputational damage, impacting customer trust and business relationships.
• Legal Consequences: Non-compliance with sanctions can lead to legal penalties,
including fines and restrictions on business operations.
5. Research the individuals listed below who are Sanctions subjects. discover
about their personal information, such as aliases, birthdates, place of birth,
current and previous positions, relatives, close associates, and affiliation with
public companies/terrorist organizations.
Ans:
Ivan Vladimirovich Kubrakov:
Ivan Vladimirovich Kubrakov is a Belarusian politician serving as the Minister of Internal
Affairs since October 29, 2020.
Personal Information:
• Full Name: Ivan Vladimirovich Kubrakov
• Date of Birth: May 5, 1975
• Place of Birth: Malinovka, Kastsyukovichy District, Mogilev Region, Belarus
• Aliases: Ivan Kubrakov
Career:
• Early Career: Began service in internal organs in 1995; held positions such as district
inspector in Minsk and head of the Zaslavsky department of the Minsk police
department.
• 2017-2018: Head of the Main Department of Internal Affairs of the Vitebsk Regional
Executive Committee.
• 2019-2020: Head of the Main Department of Internal Affairs of the Minsk City
Executive Committee.
• October 2020-Present: Appointed Minister of Internal Affairs of Belarus.
Sanctions and International Actions:
• August 2020: Sanctioned by Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia for alleged involvement in
election falsification and suppression of protests.
• October 2020: Added to the U.S. Treasury's Specially Designated Nationals and
Blocked Persons List; banned from entering the European Union.
• Also sanctioned by the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Canada, Japan, and Ukraine.
Family:
• Marital Status: Married
• Children:
o Son: Vladimir, a policeman
o Daughter: Elizaveta, a school student

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivan_Kubrakov

ABADAN OIL REFINING COMPANY:

The Abadan Oil Refining Company (AORC) is a prominent oil refinery located in Abadan,
Iran, near the Persian Gulf coast. Established in 1912, it has played a significant role in Iran's
oil industry.
Sanctions and Affiliations:
• Sanctioned Entity: AORC is listed as a Specially Designated National (SDN) by the U.S.
Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). This
designation subjects the company to specific sanctions programs, including IRAN-
EO13846, IFSR, and SDGT. https://sanctionssearch.ofac.treas.gov/
• Affiliations: The company is linked to Iran's Ministry of Petroleum, which has been
implicated in supporting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-
QF), an entity designated under terrorism-related sanctions.
Company Details:
• Alternative Names: AORC is also known as Abadan Oil Refining Company Private
Joint Stock and Palayesh Naft Abadan.
• Location: The company's headquarters are in Abadan, Khuzestan, Iran.
• Workforce: AORC employs between 1,001 to 5,000 individuals.
. https://theorg.com/org/abadan-oil-refining-company
Historical Context:
The Abadan refinery has been central to Iran's oil industry since its inception. It was
nationalized in 1951, leading to the Abadan Crisis, a significant event in Iranian history.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abadan_Refinery
Maulana Masood Azhar:

Maulana Masood Azhar is a Pakistani militant leader and founder of the terrorist
organization Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), primarily active in the Kashmir region. Below is a
summary of his personal information, affiliations, and associations:
Personal Information:
• Full Name: Mohammad Masood Azhar Alvi
• Date of Birth: 10 July 1968 (some sources mention 7 August 1968)
• Place of Birth: Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan
• Aliases: Maulana Masood Azhar
Career and Militant Activities:
• Early Involvement: Azhar began his militant activities by joining Harkat-ul-Ansar
(HuA) and later served as its general secretary. He traveled internationally to recruit
members and raise funds, visiting countries such as Zambia, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia,
Mongolia, the United Kingdom, and Albania.
• Founding of JeM: After his release from Indian custody in 1999, Azhar founded Jaish-
e-Mohammed (JeM) in 2000, which has been responsible for several high-profile
attacks in the region.
Family and Associates:
• Brother: Abdul Rauf Azhar, who has been involved in JeM's operations.
Sanctions and Designations:
• United Nations: On 1 May 2019, Masood Azhar was listed as an international
terrorist by the United Nations Security Council.
Affiliations with Terrorist Organizations:
• Harkat-ul-Ansar (HuA): Azhar was a significant figure in HuA, serving as its general
secretary.
• Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM): Founder and leader of JeM, a Pakistan-based terrorist
organization active mainly in the Kashmir region.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masood_Azhar
https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/content/mohammed-masood-azhar-alvi
Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar:
Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar is a notorious Indian crime lord and terrorist, known for his
involvement in organized crime and terrorist activities. Below is a detailed overview of his
personal information, aliases, birth details, positions, relatives, close associates, and
affiliations:
Personal Information:
• Full Name: Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar
• Date of Birth: 26 December 1955
• Place of Birth: Khed, Ratnagiri District, Maharashtra, India
• Nationality: Indian
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dawood_Ibrahim
Aliases:
Dawood Ibrahim is known by numerous aliases, including:
• Dawood Ebrahim, Sheikh Dawood Hassan, Abdul Hamid Abdul Aziz, Anis Ibrahim,
Aziz Dilip, Dawood Hasan Ibrahim Kaskar, Dawood Ibrahim Memon and so on
These aliases have been documented in various international sanctions lists.
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX%3A32016R1430
Current and Previous Positions:
• Founder and Leader of D-Company: Dawood Ibrahim established D-Company, a vast
criminal syndicate involved in drug trafficking, extortion, smuggling, and other illegal
activities.
• Terrorist Activities: He is accused of masterminding the 1993 Bombay bombings,
which resulted in numerous casualties and extensive property damage.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dawood_Ibrahim
Relatives:
• Father: Sheikh Ibrahim Ali Kaskar, who worked as a head constable in the Mumbai
Police.
• Mother: Amina Bi.
• Wife: Mehjabeen Shaikh.
• Siblings:
o Shabir Ibrahim Kaskar: Elder brother and initial partner in crime; deceased.
 o Shaikh Anis Ibrahim Kaskar: Brother involved in D-Company activities; resides
in Pakistan.
• Children:
o Mahrukh Ibrahim: Married Junaid Miandad, son of Pakistani cricketer Javed
Miandad, in 2006.
o Mehreen Ibrahim: Married Ayub, a Pakistani-American, in 2011.
o Moin Ibrahim: His only son, who has become a religious scholar (Maulana)
and is reportedly critical of his father's criminal activities.
Close Associates:
• Chhota Shakeel: A close aide and senior member of D-Company, involved in various
criminal operations.
• Tiger Memon: Another key associate, implicated in the 1993 Bombay bombings
alongside Dawood Ibrahim.
Affiliations with Terrorist Organizations:
Dawood Ibrahim has been associated with terrorist organizations, including Al-Qaida. He
was listed on 3 November 2003 by the United Nations Security Council for his association
with Al-Qaida, Osama bin Laden, or the Taliban, participating in the financing, planning,
facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating of acts or activities by, in conjunction with, under the
name of, on behalf of, or in support of these entities.

Mohammad Abdul-Sattar Al-Sayyed:

Mohammad Abdul-Sattar al-Sayyed is a prominent Syrian politician who has been serving
as the Minister of Religious Endowments (Awqaf) since 2007. Below is a detailed overview of
his personal information, aliases, birth details, positions, relatives, close associates, and
affiliations:
Personal Information:
• Full Name: Mohammad Abdul-Sattar al-Sayyed
• Date of Birth: 1958
• Place of Birth: Tartus, Syria
• Nationality: Syrian
Aliases:
There are no widely recognized aliases associated with Mohammad Abdul-Sattar al-Sayyed.
Current and Previous Positions:
 • Minister of Religious Endowments (Awqaf): Appointed in December 2007, al-Sayyed
has been responsible for overseeing religious affairs in Syria.
• Assistant Minister of Religious Endowments for Religious Affairs: Served from 2002
to 2007.
• Director of Religious Endowments and Mufti of Tartous Province: Held this position
from 1985 to 2002.
Relatives:
• Brother: Khayr al-Din al-Sayyed, former Governor of Idlib, associated with and
appointed by President Bashar al-Assad.
Affiliations with Public Companies/Terrorist Organizations:
There are no publicly known affiliations with public companies or terrorist organizations.
However, as a government minister, al-Sayyed shares responsibility for the Syrian regime's
actions.
Sanctions:
• United States: Listed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign
Assets Control (OFAC) as a Specially Designated National (SDN) since 2012. This
designation blocks his assets and prohibits U.S. citizens from engaging in transactions
with him.
• European Union: Added to the EU's list of persons subject to restrictive measures
against Syria on October 16, 2012, due to his role in the regime's violent repression
against the civilian population.
• United Kingdom: Included in the UK's Consolidated List of Financial Sanctions
Targets.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohammed_Abdul_Sattar
6. Research the individuals listed below who are politically exposed People.
discover about their personal information, such as aliases, birthdates, place of
birth, current and previous positions, relatives, close associates, and affiliation
with public companies.

Ans:

Chan Chun Sing:

Chan Chun Sing is a prominent Singaporean politician and former major-general currently
serving as the Minister for Education and Minister-in-charge of the Public Service. Below is a
detailed overview of his personal information, career, and affiliations:
Personal Information:
• Full Name: Chan Chun Sing
• Chinese Name: Chén Zhènshēng
• Date of Birth: 9 October 1969
• Place of Birth: Singapore
• Nationality: Singaporean
Current and Previous Positions:
• Minister for Education: Appointed on 15 May 2021.
• Minister-in-charge of the Public Service: Since 1 May 2018.
• Minister for Trade and Industry: 2018 to 2021.
• Minister in the Prime Minister's Office: 2015 to 2018.
• Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC): 2015 to 2018.
Military Career:
• Service: Singapore Army (1987–2011)
• Highest Rank: Major-General
• Notable Position: Chief of Army (2010–2011)
Education:
• President's Scholarship and Singapore Armed Forces Overseas Scholarship: Awarded
in 1988.
• Bachelor's Degree in Economics: Christ's College, Cambridge.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA): MIT Sloan School of Management.
Relatives:
• Mother: Kwong Kait Fong, a machine operator.
• Sister: Chan Siew Yin.
• Spouse: Married (spouse's name not publicly disclosed).
• Children: One daughter and two sons.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chan_Chun_Sing

Volodymyr Zelenskyy:
Volodymyr Zelenskyy is the current President of Ukraine, having assumed office on May 20,
2019. Below is a detailed overview of his personal information, career, and affiliations:
Personal Information:
• Full Name: Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy
• Date of Birth: January 25, 1978
• Place of Birth: Kryvyi Rih, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union (now Ukraine)
• Nationality: Ukrainian
• Ethnicity: Jewish
Education:
• Law Degree: Graduated from the Kryvyi Rih Institute of Economics, then a
department of Kyiv National Economic University, in 2000.
Career:
• Entertainment Industry:
o Founded the production company Kvartal 95 in 2003, producing films,
cartoons, and TV shows.
o Starred in the TV series "Servant of the People" from 2015 to 2019, portraying
a fictional Ukrainian president.
• Political Career:
o Announced his candidacy for President of Ukraine in 2019 and won the
election with a significant majority.
o Assumed office as the 6th President of Ukraine on May 20, 2019.
Family:
 • Father: Oleksandr Zelenskyy, a professor and head of the Department of Cybernetics
and Computing Hardware at the Kryvyi Rih State University of Economics and
Technology.
• Mother: Rymma Zelenska, a retired engineer.
• Spouse: Olena Zelenska (née Kiyashko), married since 2003.
• Children: Two children—a daughter named Oleksandra, born in 2004, and a son
named Kyrylo, born in 2013.
Affiliations with Public Companies:
Prior to his presidency, Zelenskyy's production company, Kvartal 95, was a prominent entity
in the Ukrainian entertainment industry.
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Volodymyr-Zelensky
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volodymyr_Zelenskyy

Hemant Rao:

Personal Information:
• Full Name: Hemant Rao
• Date of Birth: 1984
• Place of Birth: Raghogarh, Madhya Pradesh, India
• Nationality: Indian
Career and Achievements:
• Self-taught abstract artist, known for his modern abstract work with soft pastels.
• Worked at Bhopal’s Bharat Bhavan, a multi-arts complex, during his early years.
• Awards & Recognition:
o 60th National Academy Award (2019) – Lalit Kala Akademi (India’s national
academy of fine arts).
o Junior Fellowship (2011-12) – Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
Exhibitions and International Art Fairs:
• Busan International Art Fair (2011)
• Seoul Art Festival (2011)
• Art Revolution Taipei (2019)
• Bangkok Triennale International Print & Drawing Exhibition (2014)
 • India Art Fair (2020)
Current Location:
• Lives and works in Bhopal, India

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemant_Rao

Siromi Dokonivalu TURAGA

Siromi Dokonivalu Turaga is a Fijian lawyer and politician who has held significant positions
in Fiji's government. Below is an overview of his personal and professional background:
Personal Information:
• Full Name: Siromi Dokonivalu Turaga
• Birth Year: Circa 1968
• Place of Birth: Tovulailai, Nairai, Lomaiviti Islands, Fiji
Education:
• Primary Education: AOG Primary School, Kinoya
• Secondary Education: Central Fijian School, Nausori
• Tertiary Education:
o Studied history and politics at the University of the South Pacific
o Studied political science at Saint Peter's University, USA
o Studied law at Griffith University, Australia, and the University of the South
Pacific's law campus in Vanuatu
Professional Career:
• Early Career:
o Joined the Fijian civil service in 1991 as a cadet in the Prime Minister's Office
o Worked for the Fijian Intelligence Service from 1991 to 2000
• Legal Career:
o Admitted as a lawyer in 1999
o Served in the Attorney-General's office
o Appointed as a magistrate in 2012, serving in Sigatoka and Nadi
 • Political Career:
o Elected to the Parliament of Fiji in December 2022 as a member of the
People's Alliance
o Appointed Attorney-General and Minister for Justice on 24 December 2022
o Continued as Minister for Justice after being succeeded as Attorney-General
by Graham Leung on 5 June 2024
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siromi_Turaga

Hosein AMIR-ABDOLLAHIAN
Hossein Amir-Abdollahian was an Iranian diplomat and politician who served as the
country's Minister of Foreign Affairs from August 2021 until his untimely death in May 2024.
Below is a detailed overview of his personal and professional background:
Personal Information:
• Full Name: Hossein Amir-Abdollahian
• Date of Birth: April 23, 1964
• Place of Birth: Damghan, Semnan Province, Iran
• Date of Death: May 19, 2024
• Place of Death: Near Uzi, East Azerbaijan, Iran
• Cause of Death: Helicopter crash
• Resting Place: Shah Abdol-Azim Shrine, Ray, Iran
Education:
• Bachelor's Degree: Diplomatic Relations from the School of International Relations,
affiliated with Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Master's Degree: International Relations from the University of Tehran (1996)
• Ph.D.: International Relations from the University of Tehran (2010)
Professional Career:
• 1997-2001: Counsellor and Deputy Ambassador at the Iranian Embassy in Baghdad,
Iraq
• 2001-2003: Deputy Head of the Directorate General for Persian Gulf Affairs at the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• 2003-2006: Deputy Special Assistant to the Foreign Minister on Iraq Affairs
 • 2005-2006: Member of the Political-Security Committee of the Nuclear Negotiating
Team with the EU-3
• 2007-2010: Ambassador of Iran to Bahrain
• 2011-2016: Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs
• 2021-2024: Minister of Foreign Affairs under President Ebrahim Raisi
Relatives and Close Associates:
• Family: Amir-Abdollahian was married and had two children.
• Professional Associations: He was closely associated with the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) and was considered a conservative figure within Iran's political
landscape.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hossein_Amir-Abdollahian