proscribe the network as a terrorist organisation.[1] Contributors to this inquiry called for this action,[2] as have other parliamentarians,[3] and expert witnesses provided evidence that the activities of the network already fulfil the UK’s legal threshold for proscription.[4] It was also suggested that making the proscription would have a deterrent effect,[5]as it would “change the cost of doing business”[6] with the network. Stigma from this designation “could be leveraged […] to limit Wagner’s access to ports, natural resources, and corridors of power that the group has been able to exploit for the benefit of the Russian Federation”.[7] The Dossier Center said:
those supporting [Wagner] in host countries will also be subject to punishment. Moreover, it would restrict the use of European, African and Middle Eastern companies as vehicles for the movement of money, without which Wagner cannot operate. It would also impose greater responsibility on those countries that cooperate with and hire such organisations. It would also make it difficult for employees affiliated with Prigozhin to move around the world[8]
A proscription may also support legal action against Wagner members in British courts,[9] encourage whistle-blowers to come forward,[10]and allow the use of pre-existing international mechanisms of counter-terrorist financing.[11] Risks of a proscription include the possibility that it would drive the network “underground”,[12] as well as causing damage to the UK’s diplomatic ties with affected countries.[13]
66. The media have reported that proscription of the Wagner Group in the UK is imminent.[14] The Government also committed “to use the full range of powers available to us—including considering our robust counter-terrorism powers, such as proscription
- ↑ Among other things, proscription of a group as a terrorist entity makes it a criminal offence to belong to the organisation in the UK or overseas, to invite support for it or to arrange a meeting in support of it. Proscription also means that the financial assets of the organisation become terrorist property and can be subject to freezing and seizure. Proscribed Terrorist Organisations, Research Briefing 00815, House of Commons Library, 23 November 2021, p 6
- ↑ Q75 [Jason McCue]; Dossier Center (WGN0009) para 58; Q87 [Jason McCue]. Center on Terrorism, Extremism, and Counterterrorism - Middlebury Institute of International Studies (WGN0023) called for governments to consider it.
- ↑ For example, MEPs and MPs in Canada. Conservative MPs call for Russia’s Wagner Group to be listed as terrorist entity, Western Standard News, 30 January 2023; European Parliament ‘European Parliament declares Russia to be a state sponsor of terrorism’, 23 November 2022
- ↑ Q75 [Jason McCue]; Qq76, 91–95 [Jason Blazakis]. McCue listed Wagner’s relevant actions, including the planting of explosives around a nuclear facility, assassination attempts on President Zelensky, threats to use chemical and biological weapons, war crimes and the promotion of atrocities
- ↑ Qq-86
- ↑ Center on Terrorism, Extremism, and Counterterrorism - Middlebury Institute of International Studies (WGN0023)
- ↑ Center on Terrorism, Extremism, and Counterterrorism - Middlebury Institute of International Studies (WGN0023)
- ↑ Dossier Center (WGN0009) para 58
- ↑ Q87[Jason McCue]
- ↑ Q87 [Jason McCue]
- ↑ Jason Blazakis, Sanctions: Bringing the Wagner Group and State Proxies into the CTF Fold, 2023
- ↑ Q90 [Jason Blazakis]
- ↑ However, Professor Blazakis noted that, despite Iran being listed as a state sponsor of terrorism since 1983, it was still possible for the international community to negotiate the JCPOA. Qq 79–80
- ↑ For example, Home Office preparing to proscribe Wagner Group as a terrorist organisation, The Telegraph, 3 February 2023
