Mints case ruling: UK sanctions do not prevent designated persons from accessing UK courts and receiving judgments

In Boris Mints & Ors v PJSC National Bank Trust & Anor the Court of Appeal has held that UK sanctions regulations do not prevent designated persons from accessing the courts or prohibit the court from entering monetary judgments in their favour. The judgment demonstrates the reluctance of the judiciary to restrict the fundamental right of access to justice and could lay the groundwork for an uptake in litigation between companies and designated persons seeking damages. However, following obiter remarks from the court on the extent of Vladimir Putin’s influence in Russia, the market is awaiting further clarity from the UK authorities on how the “control” test applies to designated persons in government positions.