UK updates sanctions listing for Litasco director Chingiz Aliyev

LONDON, October 29, 2026 — The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) announced a variation to Aliyev's entry on the UK Sanctions List under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.

Aliyev, an Azerbaijani national whose listed address is Geneva, Switzerland, was originally designated on Dec. 18, 2025. His designation remains in force, including an asset freeze, travel ban, trust services sanctions and director disqualification.

According to the UK government's statement of reasons, Aliyev is suspected of benefiting from or supporting the Russian government through his role as a director or equivalent of Litasco Middle East DMCC and Litasco SA, companies operating in Russia's strategically significant energy sector.

The Oct. 29 notice records a variation to his existing designation rather than the imposition of new sanctions. The published notice does not clearly establish a substantive change to the grounds for designation.

Aliyev remains subject to restrictions prohibiting the dealing with or making available of funds and economic resources to him or for his benefit, unless an applicable exception or licence permits the activity.

UK individuals and businesses must continue to comply with the restrictions, including freezing relevant assets and reporting suspected holdings to the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI).

The designation is recorded under UK sanctions reference RUS3164 and OFSI group ID 17265.