Robert Dougherty 
NZ Foreign Minister Winston Peters detailed the new round of sanctions targeting more than 20 malicious cyber actors and others supporting Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, on 7 May.
The most recent sanctions package designates 20 individuals and entities, including actors supporting the Russian government’s hybrid warfare tactics by enabling Russian cyber crime activity that supports the war, and the dissemination of anti-Ukraine propaganda aimed at legitimising Moscow’s illegal aggression.
“Those who misuse online platforms to support Russia’s war against Ukraine will face real consequences, including sanctions,” Peters said.
“We are targeting the payment infrastructure that has helped enable Russia’s war against Ukraine.”
New Zealand is also introducing sanctions against an alternative payment provider whose service is used widely for the evasion of sanctions against Russia.
The sanctions also target those contributing to Russia’s military-industrial complex, and actors from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Iran who are providing support to the Russian military.
Since the Russia Sanctions Act came into force in March 2022, New Zealand has imposed sanctions on more than 2,000 individuals, entities, and vessels, alongside a range of trade measures. This is New Zealand’s 35th round of Russia sanctions.
This article was originally published on Cyber Daily’s sister brand, Defence Connect.
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