UK sanctions Nigeria-linked firm among 70 ‘shady networks’ backing Russia on Ukraine war

The United Kingdom has announced a new sanctions package targeting what it described as “shady networks” helping Russia sustain its ongoing war against Ukraine, with measures extending to entities operating beyond Europe, including a financial firm linked to Nigeria.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the UK government said it had imposed 70 new sanctions aimed at constraining Russia’s ability to finance and sustain its military operations in Russia, focusing on its so-called shadow fleet, military procurement supply chains, and international illicit finance networks.

According to the statement, the sanctions are part of continued efforts by the UK Government to tighten economic pressure on Moscow over what London continues to describe as its “illegal war” in Ukraine.

According to the UK, the latest measures are designed to disrupt multiple channels allegedly used by the Kremlin to bypass earlier restrictions.

These include Russia’s “shadow fleet” of vessels used to move goods covertly, as well as procurement networks linked to Russian military intelligence that facilitate the acquisition of restricted dual-use and military equipment.

Officials said the sanctions also extend to third-country suppliers accused of helping Russia access critical military goods, as well as financial actors allegedly involved in laundering or moving funds tied to sanctioned entities.

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A key development in the latest package is the designation of an entity operating in Nigeria.

The UK identified the firm as Pilot Finance, also known as Continental Global Incentives, alleging it was involved in sanctions evasion activities that helped facilitate illicit financial transactions on behalf of Russian-linked networks.

British authorities said such entities exploit gaps in global financial systems, enabling covert transactions that undermine international sanctions regimes and expose jurisdictions to reputational and regulatory risk.

Gill Lever OBE, Deputy High Commissioner, said the measures reflect Britain’s continued effort to disrupt Russia’s external support networks.

She stated: “Today, the UK announced 70 new sanctions aimed at further constraining the Kremlin’s networks and its ability to prosecute its illegal war against Ukraine.

“These defensive, targeted measures focus on Russia’s shadow fleet, military procurement supply chains linked to Russian military intelligence, and wider illicit finance networks involved in sanctions evasion and political interference internationally.

“Measures announced today include action against third-country suppliers of key military goods to the Russian state, as well as financial actors facilitating illicit transactions.

“This includes the designation of an entity, Pilot Finance (also known as Continental Global Incentives), linked to sanctions evasion activity in Nigeria.

“Our message is clear: we will continue to close loopholes, disrupt illicit networks, and restrict the resources enabling the Kremlin’s aggression.”

The UK government has also expanded its sanctions regime since the escalation of the war in Ukraine, increasingly targeting not only Russian individuals and companies but also international intermediaries believed to be helping Moscow circumvent restrictions.

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Officials say the latest package reflects a shift toward tightening enforcement against global supply chains and financial networks, rather than focusing  on direct Russian entities.