The Lawyers Global 2022 Annual Country Awards

We are pleased to inform you that Redbridge has been awarded in The Lawyers Global 2022 Annual Global Legal Awards in the following categories:
  • Achievement in the Country category – Armenia as Winner law firm – Band: 1;
  • Achievement in the Sub-Region category – Western Asia as Outstanding law firm – Band: 5;
  • Achievement in the Continent category – Asia as Outstanding law firm – Band: 20.

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HOW CAN A PERSON GET OFF OF THE OFAC SDN LIST?

THE OFFICE OF FOREIGN ASSETS CONTROL (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury manages economic and commercial sanctions based on U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives and implements the necessary procedures. OFAC places individuals and organizations on a list called Specially Designated Nationals And Blocked Persons (SDN) for national security, foreign policy, and SDN sanctions policy purposes.

HOW CAN ONE BE DELISTED FROM THE OFAC SDN LIST?

Filing a Request for Administrative Reconsideration is typically the first step in starting the removal process with OFAC. This request is also called a Petition for Removal and it is likely the most significant filing the applicant will provide to OFAC in any case. The petition may include background facts, legal and policy arguments, and a calculated analysis of why the designated individual or company should be removed from the SDN List. After submitting this petition, OFAC may submit to the applicant a follow-up questionnaire. Whether they do this or not depends on the information they possess relevant to the information and arguments the applicant put in a petition.

EACH YEAR, THE OFAC REMOVES INDIVIDUALS AND ENTITIES FROM ITS SDN LISTS. Reasons for an OFAC delisting include the following arguments and evidence:

  • There is an insufficient basis exists for the listing;
  • The basis for the listing no longer exists (for example due to a corporate reorganization, the resignation of persons from positions in a blocked entity, or similar steps);
  • The OFAC measures have led to a positive change in behavior.

REVIEW TURNAROUND TIME.

The processing time of a removal request to OFAC depends upon a range of factors including (i) whether OFAC needs additional information (ii) how timely and forthcoming the petitioner is in responding to OFAC’s requests and (iii) the facts and circumstances of the specific case.

Armenia Unveils Decision to Offer Citizenship for at least $150,000 Investment

Prospective applicants will have 11 different routes to qualifying for citizenship on the basis of an economic contribution in Armenia:

  • A contribution of at least $150,000 to a foundation established to carry out activities in the fields of education or science;
  • An investment of at least $150,000 in the shares of a commercial entity for a period of no fewer than 10 years;
  • An investment of at least $150,000 in government bonds for a period of no fewer than 7 years;
  • An investment of at least $150,000 in real estate “with a cadastral value approximated to the market value of the property” for a period of no fewer than 10 years.
  • An investment of at least US$150,000 in any government-approved investment fund for a period of no fewer than 10 years.
  • The establishment of a company in a high-tech or IT business with a capitalization of at least $1 million, “provided that the center of vital interests of the founder is located in the Republic of Armenia”;
  • The establishment of a branch in Armenia for a foreign information technology company with a capitalization equal to $100 million or more that has at least 500 employees in Armenia;
  • The establishment of a venture capital fund with assets amounting to at least $80 million in Armenia;
  • An investment of $100,000 or more in a high-tech or venture capital fund;
  • Have at least 20 years of work experience in “high and (or) information technology companies listed on the New York, Frankfurt or London stock exchanges”; or
  • Having engaged in long-term activity, at least five years, in the international structures of the postal sector, as well as making financial, material, and technical investments in the field amounting to at least $250,000.

Armenia’s New Gun Law Passed in Parliament

The new Gun Law will introduce developed gun control measures to regulate the manufacture, sale, transfer, possession, modification, or use of firearms. The new measures will set in place more stringent measures for first-time gun buyers, at the same time enabling long-time lawful gun owners with broader opportunities.

What is new?
– The law sets a minimum age requirement to 21 from the current 18 for individuals who want to buy a rifle.
– Handguns and automatic firearms will continue to be banned for civilians.
– Civilians will still be able to buy only semi-automatic rifles or shotguns.
– First-time buyers will be required to successfully pass a training and safety exam before receiving a license/certificate on acquiring a firearm for a 10-year term.
– Within 10 years, according to the certificate, a citizen can purchase a new gun, but with each new purchase, he/she will have to undergo a new medical examination.
– The previous law allowed civilians to own 3 rifles and 5 shotguns, but these limits will be changed to 10 unspecified units, meaning the buyer is free to own a total of 10 firearms of their choice.
– Civilians are allowed to open-carry shotguns and rifles only in designated areas, such as hunting locations.