WASHINGTON: In pursuance of the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (Kingpin Act), the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced the designation of five individuals and 14 entities as Specially Designated Narcotics Traffickers for their role in the international steroid trafficking organization led by Slovenian national, Mihael Karner.
Since June 2000, more than 1,700 entities and individuals have been named pursuant to the Kingpin Act for their role in international narcotics trafficking. Penalties for violations of the Kingpin Act range from civil penalties of up to $1.075 million per violation to more severe criminal penalties. Criminal penalties for corporate officers may include up to 30 years in prison and fines up to $5 million. Criminal fines for corporations may reach $10 million. Other individuals could face up to 10 years in prison and fines pursuant to Title 18 of the United States Code for criminal violations of the Kingpin Act.
By the President, Karner was named as a significant foreign narcotics trafficker pursuant to the Kingpin Act on May 31, 2013. As a result of today’s action, all assets within U.S. jurisdiction of those designated are frozen, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them.
John E. Smith, Acting Director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), said, “With today’s action against the network of Mihael Karner, we are targeting key associates and front companies of a powerful and resilient international steroids trafficking organization. This action emphasizes our commitment to target powerful drug trafficking organizations worldwide and their money laundering support networks.”
