Summary
Connects Claude to the OpenSanctions API for screening individuals and companies against 320+ sanctions lists from OFAC, EU, UN, and UK HMT, plus PEP databases. You get six tools: search by name or keyword, match entities using structured properties like birth date and nationality, fetch full entity details with relationships, list available datasets, get dataset metadata, and run full compliance investigations that combine matching with relationship mapping. Works with the hosted OpenSanctions API (free key required) or your own self-hosted yente instance. Useful when you need to check sanctions exposure during due diligence, onboarding workflows, or compliance investigations without leaving your AI chat.
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Get the MCP →opensanctions-mcp
MCP server for sanctions screening and PEP checks via the OpenSanctions API.
Lets AI agents (Claude, Cursor, Windsurf, GPT) screen persons and companies against 320+ sanctions and PEP lists from OFAC, EU, UN, UK HMT, and more.
Disclaimer: This tool provides informational data only. It is not legal or compliance advice. Always verify matches with official sources before taking action.
Quick Start
Add to your MCP client config:
{
"mcpServers": {
"opensanctions": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "opensanctions-mcp"],
"env": {
"OPENSANCTIONS_API_KEY": "your-key-here"
}
}
}
}
Get a free API key at opensanctions.org/api.
Where to add this config
- Claude Desktop:
~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json(macOS) or%APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json(Windows) - Cursor: Settings > MCP Servers
- Windsurf:
~/.windsurf/config.json
Tools
search_entities
Search the OpenSanctions database by name or keyword.
"Search for entities named Viktor Bout"
"Find companies related to Iran sanctions"
match_entity
Screen a person or company against sanctions and PEP lists using structured properties. This is the primary screening tool.
"Screen Viktor Bout, born 1967-01-13, Russian national, against sanctions lists"
"Check if Acme Corp is on any EU sanctions list"
get_entity
Fetch complete details for a specific entity, including relationships to other entities (companies, associates, family members).
"Get full details for entity NK-2Ciy8EG7jz1YHMGCxYLb25"
list_datasets
List available sanctions and PEP datasets. No API key required.
"What sanctions lists are available?"
"Show me EU-related datasets"
get_dataset
Get details about a specific dataset (publisher, entity count, last updated). No API key required.
"Tell me about the OFAC SDN list"
investigate_entity
Run a full compliance investigation in one call: match, fetch details, map relationships, and return structured data.
"Investigate Viktor Bout for sanctions exposure"
"Run a compliance check on Acme Corp, jurisdiction Belgium"
Configuration
| Environment Variable | Required | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
OPENSANCTIONS_API_KEY | Yes* | — | API key for the hosted OpenSanctions API. Get one at opensanctions.org/api. |
OPENSANCTIONS_API_URL | No | https://api.opensanctions.org | API URL. Set to your self-hosted yente instance. |
OPENSANCTIONS_DATASET | No | default | Dataset to screen against. default includes all 320+ sources. |
OPENSANCTIONS_MAX_RETRIES | No | 3 | Max retries for failed API calls. |
DEBUG | No | — | Set to any value to enable debug logging. |
*Not required for list_datasets, get_dataset, or when using a self-hosted yente instance without auth.
Self-hosted yente
If you run your own yente instance, point the server at it:
{
"mcpServers": {
"opensanctions": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "opensanctions-mcp"],
"env": {
"OPENSANCTIONS_API_URL": "http://localhost:8000"
}
}
}
}
No API key needed for self-hosted yente.
Development
git clone https://github.com/scka-de/opensanctions-mcp.git
cd opensanctions-mcp
npm install
npm test # run tests (fixtures, no API key needed)
npm run build # compile to dist/
npm run dev # run in dev mode
npm run lint # check code style
License
MIT
Featured
Keeps your Mac awake while Claude Code, Codex or Cursor works. Lets it sleep when they are done.
Try free for 7 days →Block distracting apps from your iPhone permanently without a 3rd party app. Free and open source.
Block now (100% free) →Notes, actions and memory. Without a meeting bot. First month 100% off.
Download for free →belt cli automatically finds the best tools and skills for your agent. image, video, music, tts...
one prompt install →Free an open-source skills that make AI coding agents easier to understand, verify, and control.
Download for free →Connect your Claude agent to live crypto prices and trading routes via 1inch
Get the MCP →Configuration
OPENSANCTIONS_API_KEY*secretOpenSanctions API key. Get a free key at https://www.opensanctions.org/api/
OPENSANCTIONS_API_URLAPI URL. Defaults to https://api.opensanctions.org. Set to your self-hosted yente URL if applicable.