What is the main criterion for blocking property according to BSA compliance?

The main criterion for blocking property under BSA compliance is that it pertains to anything of value that may be linked to illegal activities, particularly those involving money laundering or terrorist financing. The intent is to prevent financial institutions and individuals from engaging in transactions that could facilitate these unlawful activities.

When financial institutions identify assets that might be associated with individuals or entities involved in such activities, they must take action to block those assets to comply with regulatory obligations. This broad criterion aims to cover all forms of property and assets that could potentially be used to perpetrate financial crimes, thus ensuring a comprehensive approach to risk management in financial transactions.

In contrast, the other options do not encompass the full scope of what might need to be blocked. Government-approved items may not necessarily involve illegal activity, property owned by international citizens might not be at risk, and focusing solely on assets with high market value restricts the understanding of potentially harmful assets. Therefore, recognizing that anything of value can be subject to blocking is crucial in the context of BSA compliance.