Sanctions lists are increasingly being drawn up at national and international level. Placement on such a list does not depend on any criminal suspicion or conviction. Well-known lists are the sanctions lists of the UN and the European Union and the national terrorism list. Being placed on such a list can have far-reaching consequences for the individual: bank balances may be frozen, travel restrictions may be imposed and individuals on lists such as these may frequently be subject to other restrictions too. Family members, friends, employers and others can also be impacted, for example because they may no longer give money to that person, or because they are on the receiving end of negative opinions. 

It is possible to appeal against placement on a sanctions list. The process to be followed will depend on which sanctions regime applies. Such proceedings are highly specialized in nature and require the assistance of an specialist.

Sanctions can have far-reaching consequences: bank balances may be frozen, travel restrictions may be imposed and citizenship may even be withdrawn. Doing business, knowingly or unknowingly, with partners who have been placed on a sanctions list can lead to high fines or even criminal prosecution.