EU plans to criminalize violation of sanctions against Russia - China.org.cn

The European Commission on Friday proposed making the circumvention of the European Union's (EU) sanctions against Russia a criminal offense.

It proposes to establish the same level of penalties in all member states to close existing legal loopholes and increase the deterrent effect of violating EU sanctions.

It aims to establish "common basic standards" for penalties.

"Depending on the offense, the individual person could be liable to a maximum penalty of at least five years in prison; companies could be liable to penalties of no less than 5 percent of the total worldwide turnover of the legal person (company) in the business year preceding the fining decision," according to the statement.

"Violating EU sanctions is a serious criminal offense," it said.