'We will come after you!' Keir Starmer issues warning as UK hands out record £1million Russia sanctions fine

A 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.

The penalty imposed on Sabre Global Technologies Limited is the largest issued for Russia‑related breaches since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

HM Treasury’s Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) concluded the company made funds and economic resources available to a designated Russian airline.

The 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.

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According to OFSI, Sabre continued providing services to Ural Airlines for seven months after the carrier was designated under UK sanctions in May 2022.

The company operates a global distribution system used by airlines and travel businesses to process bookings.

Officials 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.

Investigators 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.

Sabre 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.

OFSI 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.

Sir Keir said the Government would continue pursuing those who undermine sanctions imposed on Moscow.

“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.

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Chancellor 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”.

The UK has imposed sanctions on more than 3,300 individuals, businesses and vessels since introducing its Russia sanctions regime.

Ministers argue economic restrictions remain a key tool in limiting Russia’s access to international markets and financial services.

The latest penalty follows further measures announced in May targeting sectors seen as supporting Russia’s wartime economy, including cryptocurrency exchanges and maritime services.

The fine against Sabre was imposed under OFSI’s settlement policy and is the third enforcement case concluded through that framework.

Officials said the case demonstrates the regulator’s willingness to act against organisations that breach or attempt to circumvent sanctions rules.

The 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.

The 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.

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