US designates the Wagner Group as a ‘criminal organisation’

The United States has formally designated the Wagner Group as a “transnational criminal organisation”.

The shadowy paramilitary group is closely aligned with the Kremlin and has been heavily involved in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The US Department of the Treasury said it had taken the move as part of action targeting dozens of people and entities in an effort to degrade Russia’s ability to wage the war.

The declaration freezes any US assets that the Wagner Group may have and prohibits US nationals from providing funds, goods, or services to the group.

Washington also designated other entities it accused of supporting the Wagner Group’s military operations, including Russia-based Joint Stock Company Terra Tech and China-based Changsha Tianyi Space Science and Technology Research Institute Co LTD, and targeted entities and individuals linked to Russia’s defence industry.

“Today’s expanded sanctions on Wagner, as well as new sanctions on their associates and other companies enabling the Russian military complex, will further impede Putin’s ability to arm and equip his war machine,” Treasury secretary Janet Yellen said