Germany's Sanctions Enforcement Office Reports Triple Rise in Tips and 183 New Investigations in 2025
Germany's Central Office for Sanctions Enforcement (Zentralstelle für Sanktionsdurchsetzung — ZfS) has released its annual statistics report for 2025. Established in 2023 as Directorate XI of the General Customs Directorate, the office is responsible for enforcing financial sanctions against individuals and entities listed under EU legal acts.
Key findings from the report:
Anonymous tips tripled. The office received 224 anonymous reports related to sanctions enforcement or potential violations through its tip intake unit — three times the number recorded in 2024. Of these, 31 triggered administrative asset investigation proceedings, 145 were referred to other competent authorities, and 1 was forwarded to prosecution authorities.
Asset reporting. The office received 20 reports concerning funds or economic resources held in Germany by listed persons, 8 of which led to the opening of investigative proceedings.
Investigative activity. The ZfS initiated 183 new investigative proceedings during the year, concluded 195, and continues to actively investigate 189 open cases.
Asset seizures. Eight asset seizures were carried out under sections 3(1) and 3(2) of the German Sanctions Enforcement Act (SanktDG).
Key findings from the report:
Anonymous tips tripled. The office received 224 anonymous reports related to sanctions enforcement or potential violations through its tip intake unit — three times the number recorded in 2024. Of these, 31 triggered administrative asset investigation proceedings, 145 were referred to other competent authorities, and 1 was forwarded to prosecution authorities.
Asset reporting. The office received 20 reports concerning funds or economic resources held in Germany by listed persons, 8 of which led to the opening of investigative proceedings.
Investigative activity. The ZfS initiated 183 new investigative proceedings during the year, concluded 195, and continues to actively investigate 189 open cases.
Asset seizures. Eight asset seizures were carried out under sections 3(1) and 3(2) of the German Sanctions Enforcement Act (SanktDG).
- International cooperation. The office received 7 and sent 15 international mutual assistance requests, reflecting its growing role in cross-border sanctions enforcement.
