Episode 0005 - Sanctioned: The Hidden Economy of Sanctions Evasion

Imagine a shadowy fleet of oil tankers sailing through the night—GPS disabled, ownership disguised, cargo concealed. Not pirates—but sanctioned states like Russia, Iran, and North Korea, evading U.S. sanctions to fund war, weapons, and influence.

That’s not a conspiracy theory. It’s happening now.

In this episode of Midweek Sitrep, host Jerry Fowler breaks down how sanctioned regimes are getting around U.S. and allied restrictions, what enforcement really looks like, and why private companies are increasingly caught in the crossfire.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• How sanctions work—and how the U.S. enforces them globally
• The tactics Russia, Iran, and North Korea use to move money, oil, weapons, and crypto
• What secondary sanctions are—and why U.S. allies are under pressure
• How major companies have been caught evading sanctions
• What the Trump administration is doing differently—and why enforcement is getting faster, broader, and more political

As always, Jerry also covers the week’s national security developments that should be on your radar in the world of business, compliance, and geopolitics.

Whether you’re in law, finance, national security, or international trade—this episode is essential listening.

Listen now and stay ahead of the threats.

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About the Host: Jerry Fowler

Jerry Fowler is an attorney and policy professional specializing in the intersection of business, law, and national security. He works with companies and their counsel to meet and exceed compliance obligations while navigating the complex national security regulatory landscape.

Jerry leads the CFIUS and National Security practice at a global risk consultancy where he applies his experience in export controls, sanctions, and U.S. national security regulatory regimes to advise clients on evaluating and mitigating global trade risk.

His experience spans over a decade across many capacities in state and federal government, including as a West Virginia Assistant Attorney General, federal attorney, and as a contract member of the U.S. Department of Defense’s CFIUS team. He also serves in the Army National Guard as a Judge Advocate (Army lawyer).

He received his Master of Laws degree in National Security and Cybersecurity Law from the George Washington University Law School and his Juris Doctor degree from the West Virginia University College of Law. He also obtained his Master of Business Administration degree at the University of Florida, Warrington College of Business and his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Concord University. He holds an Artificial Intelligence Governance Professional (AIGP) certification and is licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia and West Virginia.

Disclaimers:
The information provided in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions based on the content discussed.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any government agency, the U.S. military, or any employer, organization, or entity with which we are affiliated.

Mention of any company, product, or service in this podcast does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Any references are for informational purposes only. 

This podcast does not disclose any classified, proprietary, or confidential information. Discussions are based on publicly available information and personal expertise.