Task force focusing on Cuba sanctions

Task force focusing on Cuba sanctions A federal task force has been formed in Miami to crack down on violations of U.S. trade sanctions against Cuba.
   The goal of the Cuban Sanctions Enforcement Task Force is 'vigorous investigation of violations and enforcement through federal criminal prosecutions of the existing U.S. economic and trade sanctions against Cuba,' a statement from the U.S. Attorney's office in Miami said.
   The Task Force is chaired by the U.S. Attorney's Office, and includes members from Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the FBI, IRS, Department of Commerce-Office of Export Enforcement, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Field and Air divisions of Customs and Border Protection.
   The statement announcing the formation of the task force said each member agency brings a particular expertise in areas necessary to successfully investigate and prosecute embargo violations.
   The task force is being chaired by R. Alexander Acosta, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and also includes Adam Szubin, director, OFAC- Department of the Treasury; Jesus Torres, special agent in charge, ICE; Jonathan I. Solomon, special agent in charge, FBI, Miami Field Office; Brian J. Wimpling, special agent in charge, IRS; Michael L. Johnson, special agent in charge, Office of Export Enforcement, Department of Commerce, Miami Field Office; Rear Admiral David W. Kunkel, Commander of the Miami-based 7th Coast Guard District; Thomas S. Winkowski, director, field operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Miami Field Office; and John Beutlich, director, Air Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
   “Those who flout our Cuba sanctions do so at their own risk,” OFAC director Szubin said, adding, 'Violators face not only civil penalties but potential criminal repercussions as well.'