The International Enforcement Law Reporter

The International Enforcement Law Reporter is a monthly print and online journal covering news and trends in international enforcement law.

Since September 1985, the International Enforcement Law Reporter has analyzed the premier developments in both the substantive and procedural aspects of international enforcement law. Read by practitioners, academics, and politicians, the IELR is a valuable guide to the difficult and dynamic field of international law.

Smithsonian Museum of Asian Art to Return 3 Stolen Bronzes to India after Internal Investigation

Friday, February 6, 2026
Author: 
Bruce Zagaris
Volume: 
42
Issue: 
2
Abstract: 

On January 28, 2026, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art announced plans to return three sculptures to the Government of India, after conducting an internal investigation and provenance research, showing that the sculptures had been removed illegally from temple settings. 

UK Office of Financial Sanctions Discusses Ending Sanctions Evasion Through Crypto Assets

Friday, February 6, 2026
Author: 
Bruce Zagaris
Volume: 
42
Issue: 
2
Abstract: 

On January 28, 2026, the United Kingdom (UK) Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) discussed the recent blog post by the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI), which is part of HM Treasury, on closing the abuse of crypto assets by sanctions evaders.

Former Burkina Faso President Extradited Back Home

Friday, January 30, 2026
Author: 
Austin Wahl
Volume: 
42
Issue: 
2
Abstract: 

On January 20, 2026, the Republic of Togo confirmed that it had extradited Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba --- the former transitional president of Burkina Faso --- to authorities in Burkina Faso. The extradition comes after the current government, led by Ibrahim Traoré, leveled accusations of corruption and involvement in attempted coups against the former president

D.C.-Based Advocacy Group Sues Apple Over DRC Conflict Minerals

Friday, January 30, 2026
Author: 
Lucy Carroll
Volume: 
42
Issue: 
2
Abstract: 

On November 25, 2025, International Rights Advocates, a D.C.-based anti-forced labor advocacy group, filed a lawsuit against Apple, claiming the company engages in deceptive marketing of its products by concealing minerals in its supply chain linked to conflict and human rights abuses in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Ecuador Files Diplomatic Protest after ICE Tries to Enter its U.S. Consulate and U.S. Allies React to Rule of Law and Human Rights Violations

Friday, January 30, 2026
Author: 
Bruce Zagaris
Volume: 
42
Issue: 
2
Abstract: 

On January 28, 2026, the Ecuador Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced it had made a formal diplomatic complaint with the United States (U.S.) after a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent tried to enter the Ecuadorian consulate in Minneapolis without permission.

Russian Basketball Player and French Researcher Released in Rare Russia-France Prisoner Exchange

Friday, January 30, 2026
Author: 
Chloe Fontenelle
Volume: 
42
Issue: 
2
Abstract: 

 In a prisoner swap facilitated on January 8, 2026, Russia and France agreed to release an imprisoned French researcher in exchange for the return of a detained Russian basketball player, in an uncommon display of bilateral relations between the two countries.

Did the U.S. Plane Resembling a Civilian Plane Used in Boat Strike Violate the Law against Perfidy?

Friday, January 23, 2026
Author: 
Bruce Zagaris
Volume: 
42
Issue: 
2
Abstract: 

On January 12, 2026, the New York Times revealed that the United States Department of Defense (DOD) used a secret aircraft painted to appear as though it was a civilian plane in the first attack on September 2, 2025, resulting in the deaths of eleven persons on board.

U.S. Justice Department Dismisses Case over Commercial Bribery in FIFA

Friday, January 23, 2026
Author: 
Bruce Zagaris
Volume: 
42
Issue: 
2
Abstract: 

On December 9, 2025, the counsel for the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a brief informing the United States Supreme Court that it was dismissing the criminal case against Hernán Lopez, who was convicted on one count of conspiring to commit honest-services wire fraud.

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