What changed
The UNSC 1267/1989 ISIL & Al-Qaida Sanctions List has been amended for one entry: MERAI ABDEFATTAH KHALIL ZOGHBI (QDi.223), with updated aliases, DOB, and other details. This amendment was communicated via MEA and RBI circular dated June 5, 2023, based on UNSC press release SC/15307 of June 2, 2023.
What it means for you
Banks and regulated entities must take appropriate action in terms of Section 51 of the Master Direction on KYC and follow the procedure in the UAPA Order dated February 2, 2021 (amended March 15, 2023), including freezing assets and denying services to this individual. Failure to comply could lead to regulatory action. This reinforces the need for real-time sanctions screening and periodic list updates.
What you must do
- Update your AML/KYC screening systems with the amended UNSC list entry for MERAI ABDEFATTAH KHALIL ZOGHBI.
- Check existing accounts and transactions against the updated list and freeze any matches immediately.
- Ensure compliance with Section 51 of the Master Direction on KYC and the UAPA Order dated Feb 2, 2021 (amended March 15, 2023).
- Monitor UNSC press releases and the official sanctions list URLs for future amendments.
Who it affects
All scheduled commercial banks, All non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), All payment system operators, All other regulated entities under RBI
What is the source of this sanctions list update?
The update comes from the UNSC Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267, 1989, and 2253, communicated via UNSC press release SC/15307 dated June 2, 2023, as informed by MEA.