The European Union will reduce its renewal term for sanctions on Syria to three months from an expected year. EU diplomats think that doing so will make it easier to equip rebels fighting to depose President Bashar al-Assad.

This month the Justice Department and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) released a guide on maintaining compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). The FCPA, which makes it illegal for certain individuals to make payments to foreign officials to assist in obtaining or retaining business, has been largely criticized for being vague and overly punitive. This new guide is to serve as a reference for businesses seeking to comply with the law and the prosecutors charged with enforcement.

A recent Pentagon effort to add infrared detection technology to the U.S. Munitions List has caused concern for many U.S. companies. Infrared imaging is currently considered a dual use item because it has both commercial and military purposes. Adding the technology to the U.S. Munitions List could potentially shut U.S. companies out of a global market of about $2.6 billion by 2017 in the automotive, surveillance and security industries.

The FBI has opened a criminal investigation into ZTE Corp’s sale of banned US computer equipment to Iran. ZTE is China’s second-largest telecom equipment maker and the world’s fourth largest mobile device maker. The investigation stems from a Reuter’s report in March, stating that ZTE sold surveillance systems to Iran’s largest telecommunication firm.

On June 28th, Pratt & Whitney Canada Corporation (PWC) pleaded guilty to violating the Arms Export Control Act and to making false statements regarding its illegal export of US-origin military software to China. This software was used in the development of the Z-10, China’s first modern military attack helicopter. PWC, along with its parent company, defense contractor United Technologies Corporation (UTC), and UTC’s US-based subsidiary Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation (HSC), will have to pay more than $75 million as part of a settlement with the Justice and State Departments.

According to the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), ING Bank N.V. has agreed to forfeit $619 million to the Justice Department and the New York County District Attorney’s Office for illegally moving billions of dollars through the US financial system on behalf of Cuban and Iranian sanctioned entities. ING Bank is held responsible for conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Trading with the Enemy Act (TWEA), as well as violating New York state laws by illegally moving over $2 billion dollars through the US financial systems via more than 20,000 transactions between the early 1990s and 2007. This fine is the largest ever against a bank in connection with an investigation into US sanctions violations.

After losing an appeal in British courts, Christopher Tappin was extradited from the U.K. and brought to the U.S. on February 24^th. Mr. Tappin, a British businessman, faces charges in connection with a scheme to illegally export parts used in Hawk surface-to-air missile systems to Iran. On March 5^th, a United States federal grand jury indictment was handed down. Mr Tappin was charged with one count each for: conspiracy to illegally export defense articles, aiding and abetting the illegal export of defense articles, and conspiracy to conduct illegal financial transactions. If convicted, Mr. Tappin faces up to 20 years in prison.

President Obama recently signed an executive order, establishing the Interagency Trade Enforcement Center (ITEC) within the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). The Obama administration is aimed at doubling exports by the year 2015, and this new agency will help facilitate that goal.