This paper concentrates on the role of third countries in sanctions evasion and explores the role of thirteen third countries in SEA relating to sanctions imposed on Russia since the invasion of Ukraine. The report reveals that third countries are more likely to engage in SEA where they are economically dependent on the target country, have trade and commercial capacities to engage in SEA and interests in doing so.

This paper details Russia's illicit economic activity in the occupied territories in Ukraine and calls for more international attention to this aspect of Russia's invasion.

Dr David Ucko and Dr Thomas A. Marks publish their work in the NDU Press based on SOC ACE research detailing the overlap between organised crime and irregular warfare.

New research from Dr David Ucko and Dr Tom Marks presents an analytical framework designed for irregular warfare challenges, to aid assessment of, as well as response to, organised crime. The Framework of Analysis and Action builds on an instructional method long used within the College of International Security Affairs (CISA), at the U.S. National Defense University.

Dr Alexander Kupatadaze (KCL Russia Institute) shares his new research with Dr Erica Marat (National Defense University) which reveals how Russia is outmanoeuvring Western sanctions thanks to help from neighbouring countries.

SOC ACE organised a workshop on: "New dynamics in illicit economies and conflict after the Russian invasion of Ukraine” at the recent Conflict Research Society (CRS) Annual Conference exploring new research from the SOC ACE programme.

New research examines the practices used to evade sanctions imposed on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, focusing on the import–export operations of Russia, Belarus, Georgia, and Kazakhstan. Sanctions intended to undermine Russia’s military capacity, have inadvertently bolstered informal trade networks fuelling its military funds.

Illicit Financial Flows (IFF) includes a wide range of illicit and illegal cross-border financial activities, including high-level corruption, money-laundering, and sanctions evasion. This paper provides an analytical overview of how Russian actors and proxies are using IFF to support Russian foreign policy goals.

Organised crime actors can be spoilers in peace processes or partners in peace. This new review paper demonstrates the importance of creating a framework for engaging with criminality and organised crime groups that extends beyond confrontation – allowing for accommodation and incorporating a wider societal change agenda through transformation.

Cathy Haenlein, Sasha Erskine, Elijah Glantz & Tom Keatinge of RUSI have recently had their SOC ACE research on ’Targeted sanctions and organised crime,’ published in Australasian Policing Journal. This research explores the existing evidence base on the effectiveness of sanctions as a tool to disrupt serious and organised crime.