Airbnb fined for ‘apparent’ violations of Cuba embargo

The fine amount was lowered from a maximum of US$600,000 (RM2.50mil) because Airbnb disclosed the potential violations and cooperated with OFAC, the agency said. — AFP

Once the symbol of US economic engagement with Cuba under the Obama administration, vacation rental company Airbnb has been fined by the Treasury Department for apparent violations of the US embargo, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said on Jan 3.

OFAC said in a statement that the company agreed to pay US$91,172.29 (RM381,191) to settle “its potential civil liability for apparent violations of sanctions against Cuba”. The violations included accepting reservations from guests traveling to the island outside the current 12 authorised categories and failing to keep certain records.