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One Individual And Two Legal Entities From Cyprus In New US Sanctions

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 13, 2024

Another individual, holder of the Cypriot nationality and two companies registered in Cyprus are included in the list of new sanctions imposed by the US against Russia on Wednesday.

The US Treasury Department announced new sanctions on more than 300 individuals and entities to degrade Russia’s capability to pursue its war of aggression against Ukraine.

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In OFAC’s updated list, Bulat Akhatovich Yanborisov, a Russian who also holds Cyprus citizenship, is included. According to a US Treasury Department press release, Russia-based Silk Way Rally Association holds an annual off-road rally race that the U.S.-designated Russian Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) uses as a front for intelligence operations.

The GRU has given awards to Bulat Akhatovich Yanborisov, the head of Silk Way, for his work. Bulat appears to use his properties in Europe as transit points for GRU officers. Bulat, who is Silk Way’s CEO and general director, alongside his son Amir Bulatovich Yanborisov, uses Silk Way’s logistical infrastructure to procure anti-UAV and radioelectronic warfare equipment for use on the battlefield in Ukraine.

Moreover, the Cyprus-registered companies Picotin Holdings Ltd and Sentimare Enterprises Ltd were also added to the list of sanctions. According to the US Department of State, the two companies are linked to Vladimir Olegovich Potanin, one of the wealthiest oligarchs in Russia, who formerly served as a Deputy Prime Minister for the Russian Federation.

Potanin has been on the sanctions list since December 2022. The Department is designating four Liechtenstein-based foundations, Paloma Foundation, Spero Foundation, Natwin Foundation, and Cafar Foundation, as well as two Cyprus-based entities, Sentimare Enterprises Ltd and Picotin Holdings Ltd and one UAE-based entity, Sentimare Me Ltd, connected to the scheme.

Given that Potanin was previously the ultimate beneficial owner of Sentimare Enterprises Ltd and his minor children’s current equal ownership of the four foundations, the US Department of State believes that Potanin retains control of the four foundations and thus the control of Sentimare Enterprises Ltd, that is controlled by the four foundations.

Moreover, it notes that Sentimare Me Ltd and Picotin Holdings Ltd are being designated for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Sentimare Enterprises Ltd, since they are both wholly owned by Sentimare Enterprises Ltd.

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Call for Reform: Cyprus Faces New Challenges with Emerging Tobacco Products

by News Editor

May 31, 2025

In the face of a burgeoning variety of tobacco products, existing smoking laws in Cyprus are struggling to keep pace, as highlighted by Christos Minas, the president of the Cyprus National Addictions Authority (AAEK). On World No-Tobacco Day, there was a push for legislative reforms to comprehensively cover all tobacco forms, including non-nicotine alternatives.

Addressing Rising Trends with Effective Policies

Minas emphasized the surge in popularity of e-cigarettes and flavored products, particularly among the youth. The proposed legal updates aim to enhance enforcement efficiency against these emerging trends.

In collaboration with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) framework, the AAEK has established the first set of national guidelines for smoking cessation in Cyprus, crafting prevention and treatment strategies based on robust scientific evidence.

Educating Youth and Public Awareness Initiatives

Efforts are underway to raise awareness, with informative materials distributed to secondary schools across Cyprus. A public event in Nicosia highlighted the state’s ongoing commitment, providing carbon monoxide testing and expert advice on new tobacco products.

Recent data from the Cyprus general population survey 2023 indicates that 38% of smokers have used e-cigarettes recently, and the smoking initiation age remains at 18.

A Glimpse into Youth Smoking Patterns

According to the latest European school survey, 14% of Cypriot students aged 15-16 reported smoking traditional cigarettes last month. Although this rate is declining, Cyprus still ranks high in Europe for e-cigarette and hookah use among students.

The concern is global, with WHO reports showing over 37 million children aged 13-15 engage in tobacco use, driven by aggressive marketing in loosely regulated environments.

The urgency for reform is clear: before these trends solidify, proactive measures are necessary to protect future generations from potentially hazardous habits.