The U.S. Department of the Treasury on Thursday announced sanctions against the A7 network – a Russia-linked shadow banking network used by Iran to evade sanctions.
This was reported by the U.S. Treasury, according to "European Pravda".
Sanctions against the A7 network were imposed as part of Operation "Economic Exile" – a U.S. sanctions pressure campaign on Iran.
It is noted that the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on the network and designated it as a serious transnational criminal organization.
In addition, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) under the department has proposed a rule that would prohibit the transfer of funds in transactions involving A7 network sub-agents.
"The Treasury Department is dismantling the financial infrastructure that allows Iran and other adversaries to evade sanctions, move illicit funds, and undermine the integrity of the global financial system," said U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
The A7 network was created and maintained by individuals sanctioned by the U.S. with the aim of circumventing sanctions restrictions. It has built a global network of sub-agents – companies specifically created to disguise payments associated with sanctioned sectors and individuals, under the guise of ordinary commercial activities.
The A7 network was used by Iran, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, as well as Russia. It acted as a specially created mechanism for sanctions evasion and money laundering, linked to Russian illicit financial operations.
As of January 2026, A7 claimed to process over 2,000 transactions per day with a total volume of over 7.5 trillion rubles ($91.5 billion), or approximately 13 percent of Russia's foreign trade volume in 2025.
Sub-agents of the A7 network also provided services to cybercriminals, including those using ransomware and engaged in the procurement of restricted goods. They also facilitated the sale of Iranian oil and the purchase of weapons.
As noted by the Treasury Department, the A7 network is managed by Ilan Shor, a fugitive Moldovan oligarch and former head of the banned pro-Russian "Shor" party.
In late September, the U.S. imposed sanctions on 10 individuals and organizations, including some based in China, Hong Kong, and Pakistan, for assisting Iran's Ministry of Defense in procuring weapons and components.
On September 15, the United States announced sanctions against the Russian bank VTB for its assistance to Iran in evading sanctions.
Recall that Iran proposed to open the Strait of Hormuz and resume negotiations on the nuclear program in a week if the U.S. lifts the maritime blockade, cancels sanctions on oil sales, and restores the ceasefire in the entire region.
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