The US Department of the Treasury sanctioned procurement networks for Syria’s Scientific Studies and Research Center (SSRC), “which is responsible for the development of Syria’s chemical weapons,” on July 25, 2018.

The US designated Golden Star Co., which also does business as Smart Logistics Offshore, for having “facilitated EKT’s [Electronics Katrangi Trading’s] operations to the benefit of the SSRC.” EKT’scommercial interests in the Middle East and Europe were examined in a September 4, 2018 Kharon Sanctions Update.

The US also sanctioned EKT Smart Technology, which has addresses in China and the UK, for acting as an agent of EKT. According to the designation statement, EKT Smart Technology “supplies goods to the SSRC.” The statement added that, “Zhou Yishan, a Chinese national, is the Director of EKT Smart Technology.”