Angelika Hellweger examines art market sanctions case for WealthBriefing

Rahman Ravelli’s Angelika Hellweger has written for WealthBriefing on the implications of the recent decision in R v Hauser & Wirth Gallery Limited & Anor.

The case provides the first detailed judicial consideration of Regulation 46B of the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, including the meaning of a person being “connected with Russia” and what constitutes “making available” a luxury good.

Although the prosecution did not result in convictions, the court adopted a broad interpretation of “making available”. Angelika explains that this could have significant consequences not only for galleries and sellers, but also for logistics providers, freight forwarders, storage facilities and other intermediaries involved in transactions.

She also considers the court’s approach to determining “ordinary residence” and the evidential challenges this may create in future sanctions prosecutions involving individuals with multiple residences and international business interests.

The article examines what the judgment may mean for sanctions compliance and the UK’s developing enforcement regime.

Read Angelika’s full article in WealthBriefing.