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17:37 GMT
WASHINGTON, Dec 9 (KUNA) -- The US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on Monday targeted corrupt actors and their networks across numerous countries in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
Corruption is a global problem. It undermines the abilities of governments to adequately care for their citizens; erodes the legal, moral, and ethical fabric of society; and facilitates transnational crime, the Dept. said in a statement on International Anti-Corruption Day.
Today's action, pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13818, which builds upon and implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, and targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuse and corruption.
Additionally, two corrupt Venezuelan officials were also designated today, pursuant to Venezuela E.O. 13692, as amended, in light of their senior leadership roles in the Maduro regime, the statement said.
"Corruption deprives people of their countries' resources, basic essential services, and economic opportunities, while it enriches a select few and facilitates environmental destruction, political instability, and conflict," said Secretary of Treasury Steven T. Mnuchin.
"On International Anti-Corruption Day, we are targeting actors in Europe, Asia, and Latin America who continue through their illicit activities to undermine the foundations of stable, secure, and functioning societies," he added.
To raise public awareness for anti-corruption initiatives, International Anti-Corruption Day has been observed annually on December 9 since the United Nations General Assembly adopted the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) on October 31, 2003. (end)
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