UK's First Russia Art Sanctions Conviction Results in Fine
Jonathan Hornby has been fined £28,000 after becoming the first individual convicted under the UK's sanctions against luxury exports to Russia. His attempt to ship artworks, including a Russian icon of St. Vladimir, was intercepted at Heathrow Airport in February 2024. The UK imposed a ban on luxury exports over £250 to Russia in April 2022. Since May 2025, art market participants are required to report breaches of these sanctions to the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) for transactions exceeding €10,000. Meanwhile, Petrofac Facilities Management Limited settled for £569,157 over similar violations.
Key facts
- Jonathan Hornby fined £28,000 for breaching UK Russia sanctions by attempting to ship artworks to Russia.
- First reported conviction under UK's ban on luxury exports to Russia.
- Goods seized at Heathrow Airport in February 2024.
- Items included a Russian icon depicting St. Vladimir.
- Hornby's businesses: Global Customs Systems U.K. Limited and In Time Worldwide Express Ltd.
- UK banned luxury exports over £250 to Russia in April 2022.
- Since May 2025, art market participants must report sanctions breaches to OFSI for transactions over €10,000.
- Petrofac Facilities Management Limited paid £569,157 settlement for breaching Russia sanctions in June.
- Hauser and Wirth London branch charged with sanctions breach; gallery pleads not guilty.
Entities
Institutions
- HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
- Global Customs Systems U.K. Limited
- In Time Worldwide Express Ltd.
- Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI)
- Petrofac Facilities Management Limited (PFML)
- Crown Prosecution Service
- Hauser and Wirth
Locations
- United Kingdom
- Russia
- London
- Westminster Magistrates' Court
- Heathrow Airport