OFAC Hostages and Wrongfully Detained U.S. Nationals Sanctions
OFAC Hostages and Wrongfully Detained U.S. Nationals Sanctions is a sanctions program maintained by Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). It imposes asset freeze and financial restrictions.
Last updated 3 Aug 2026
Overview
Sanctions program targeting foreign persons involved in hostage-taking or the wrongful detention of U.S. nationals, implemented under Executive Order 14078 and the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-taking Accountability Act. The program blocks the property and interests in property of designated persons and imposes related financial restrictions.
Legal bases
- Executive Order 14078 - Bolstering Efforts to Bring Hostages and Wrongfully Detained United States Nationals Home (July 19, 2022)
- Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-taking Accountability Act, Public Law 116-260
- International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), 50 USC §§ 1701-1706
- National Emergencies Act (NEA), 50 USC §§ 1601-1651
- 31 CFR Part 526 - Hostages and Wrongful Detention Sanctions Regulations
Official resources
Guidance on the Provision of Certain Services Relating to the Requirements of U.S. Sanctions Laws
EO 14078 - Bolstering Efforts to Bring Hostages and Wrongfully Detained United States Nationals Home
Licenses for Legal Fees and Costs - Guidance on the Release of Limited Amounts of Blocked Funds for Payment of Legal Fees and Costs
Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-taking Accountability Act
31 CFR Part 526 - Hostages and Wrongful Detention Sanctions Regulations
Entities Owned By Blocked Persons - Guidance On Entities Owned By Persons Whose Property And Interests In Property Are Blocked