IT Forensics · OSINT

Carrying out sanctions list checks using OSINT – Forensically examining public sanctions and embargo lists

Publicly available sanctions and embargo lists contain the names of individuals and organisations with whom certain business dealings are legally restricted or prohibited.

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As part of our compliance checks, we systematically cross-check relevant names and organisations against these public lists and document the results in a manner that is forensically verifiable.

Why LanCologne?

Since its foundation, LanCologne has specialised in professional IT forensics. Our staff have decades of experience in the field of information technology and assist companies, solicitors, private individuals and, on a regular basis, the courts in the technical investigation of complex digital matters.

Our OSINT investigations are always carried out as a complementary component to existing IT forensic, legal or internal corporate enquiries. Every step of the investigation and every piece of digital evidence found is documented and, where technically possible, archived to ensure traceability even if the original online content is subsequently altered or deleted.

Our services

We cross-check relevant names of individuals and organisations against publicly available sanctions and embargo lists, and document both matches and negative results in a manner that is forensically verifiable.

Typical areas of application

Support with compliance checks prior to entering into business relationships
Supplementary due diligence checks
Evidence of compliance with due diligence obligations
Support for the prevention of money laundering
Judicial and non-judicial expert reports
Collaboration with compliance departments

This is how a sanctions list check works

Relevant names and organisations are systematically checked against current, publicly available sanctions and embargo lists. Matches and negative results are documented with the timestamp of the check.

Why is sanctions list matching relevant from a forensic perspective?

A documented reconciliation is often a prerequisite for demonstrating compliance with statutory due diligence obligations as part of compliance processes.

As sanctions lists are constantly changing, it is particularly important from a forensic perspective to document the exact time of the comparison.

Frequently Asked Questions

How up to date do sanctions lists need to be for a comparison?+
We use publicly available lists that are current at the time of the audit and record the exact time of the comparison.
Does this comparison replace a full compliance audit?+
No, it is one of several building blocks within a comprehensive compliance process.
Are variations in names and transliterations also taken into account?+
Yes, where technically possible, common variations of names are included in the comparison to increase the hit rate.

LanCologne – IT Forensics OSINT Cologne

Do you require a professional OSINT investigation into „Carrying out sanctions list checks using OSINT"? LanCologne can assist you with the transparent, documented analysis of publicly available digital sources to complement your IT forensic, legal or internal corporate enquiries.

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