# Sanctions evasion methods by sanctioned states > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/sanctions-evasion-methods-by-sanctioned-states > Updated: 2026-09-04T01:13:57.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Sanctioned nations, including Russia, Iran, and North Korea, are employing diverse methods to bypass international economic restrictions. These tactics have expanded beyond traditional monetary transactions into specialized sectors. In the realm of technology and digital assets, state actors are reportedly utilizing barter-style exchanges of intellectual property. Reports from the Molfar Intelligence Institute suggest Russia may be offsetting payments for Iranian munitions by transferring nuclear expertise and patent access to Tehran. Concurrently, while authorities use blockchain analytics to trace suspicious flows, sanctioned entities have reportedly received over 154 billion dollars in digital assets in 2025. In the maritime sector, a growing ‘shadow fleet’ industry facilitates evasion. North Korea, Russia, and Iran have reportedly used tactics such as disabling the Automatic Identification System (AIS) to hide oil tankers from global tracking. Professor Justin Hastings describes this maritime environment as the ‘Wild West,’ noting that the vastness of the high seas makes enforcement difficult and expensive. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-04: Shadow fleet industry enables sanctions evasion for North Korea, Russia, and Iran Sanctioned nations like North Korea, Russia, and Iran are using ‘shadow fleets’ and AIS disabling tactics to evade international maritime sanctions and transport prohibited goods. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shadow-fleet-industry-enables-sanctions-evasion-for-north-korea-russia-and-iran ### 2026-08-31: Sanctions evasion shifts toward technology transfers and digital assets Sanctioned nations are bypassing economic restrictions through cryptocurrency transactions and the barter of sensitive technology, including nuclear expertise and drone manufacturing capabilities. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sanctions-evasion-shifts-toward-technology-transfers-and-digital-assets --- Cite as: Sanctions evasion methods by sanctioned states. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/sanctions-evasion-methods-by-sanctioned-states