By The Data Nerd, Founder & Compliance Engineer ·
OFAC Sanctioned: Reconnaissance General Bureau (RGB)
SANCTIONED · Designated: 2010-08-30 · Type: DPRK intelligence agency · Jurisdiction: North Korea
The RGB is North Korea's primary intelligence agency, designated by OFAC under multiple programs for weapons proliferation, cyber operations, and supporting DPRK cyber actors including Lazarus Group.
What this designation means
All US persons are prohibited from any dealings with the RGB and its associated entities under OFAC comprehensive sanctions on North Korea.
Screen this name via API (free, no API key)
curl "https://sanctionsai.dev/sanctions?name=Reconnaissance+General+Bureau+(RGB)"Free tier: 5 checks/day by IP. Real OFAC SDN data, refreshed daily.
Compliance obligations
- Block all transactions: US persons and AI agents operating on their behalf must not transact with Reconnaissance General Bureau (RGB).
- Report blocked property: Within 10 business days, file reports with OFAC for any blocked transactions.
- Recordkeeping: Retain all screening records and transaction evidence for 5 years.
- Voluntary Self-Disclosure: If a violation occurred, file a VSD within 30 days for ~50% penalty mitigation.
Penalties for non-compliance
Civil penalties start at $356,571 per violation or twice the transaction value, whichever is greater. Criminal penalties for willful violations can reach $20 million and 30 years imprisonment. Each transaction with Reconnaissance General Bureau (RGB) is a separate violation under OFAC strict liability.
Frequently asked questions
Is Reconnaissance General Bureau (RGB) still sanctioned?
Yes. Reconnaissance General Bureau (RGB) was designated by OFAC on 2010-08-30 and remains on the SDN list as of 2026-07-18. SDN designations are rarely lifted without a specific OFAC delisting action.
How do I check if a counterparty is sanctioned?
Use the sanctionsai.dev API: send a GET request with a name, wallet, or country parameter. The API checks against the full OFAC SDN list in under 100ms.
What is the penalty for transacting with a sanctioned entity?
OFAC civil penalties start at $356,571 per violation or twice the transaction value. Criminal penalties can reach $20 million and 30 years imprisonment.
How often should I screen counterparties?
Before every transaction. OFAC list updates are frequent, and an entity not flagged yesterday may be flagged today.