OpenSanctions API
Structured sanctions, PEP and watchlist entity graph.
- reviewed
- Apr 24, 2026
How this source is shaped
Very valuable but sensitive. It can support compliance and public-interest research, but matching results must be carefully explained because false positives can create reputational harm.
- Source type
- Api
- Access model
- Mixed
- Pricing model
- Free And Commercial Access Depending On Usage
- API available
- Yes
- Requires account
- Yes
- Risk level
- High
- Sensitivity
- Highly Sensitive
Review dimensions
Each dimension is graded on a 0–10 scale. The overall score is a weighted aggregate.
Weighted aggregate across the eight review dimensions.
Where this source fits
What analysts use it for, and — just as important — where it does not belong.
- screening
- compliance_research
- entity_risk_context
- journalistic_research
- compliance_analysts
- journalists
- due_diligence_teams
- casual_people_search
- automated_adverse_labeling
- consumer_profile_scoring
Editorial take
Our qualitative read on the source — tone, framing and trust posture.
Powerful source, but this is where OSINT must behave like a grown-up product: cautious UX, disclaimers, confidence, manual review.
Ethics and compliance
Access, licensing and sensitive-data considerations for this source.
Never present matches as final accusations. Always require human review and source-level explanation.
May involve regulated compliance workflows. Review licensing, terms and jurisdictional implications before commercial use.