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 12 Jun 2026
Overview
Sanctions program targeting foreign persons responsible for or complicit in hostage-taking or wrongful detention of U.S. nationals, implemented under Executive Order 14078 and the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-taking Accountability Act.
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
Executive Order 14078 - Bolstering Efforts to Bring Hostages and Wrongfully Detained United States Nationals Home
Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-taking Accountability Act
31 CFR Part 526 - Hostages and Wrongful Detention Sanctions Regulations
Hostages and Wrongful Detention Sanctions Regulations
Guidance on the Provision of Certain Services Relating to the Requirements of U.S. Sanctions Laws
Licenses for Legal Fees and Costs - Guidance on the Release of Limited Amounts of Blocked Funds for Payment of Legal Fees and Costs Incurred in Challenging the Blocking of U.S. Persons in Administrative or Civil Proceedings
Entities Owned By Blocked Persons - Guidance On Entities Owned By Persons Whose Property And Interests In Property Are Blocked