Sanctions have helped keep prices high, and the Iranians know every trick in the sanctions-busting book, from discounted and barter sales to concealing buyers' identities.

ECONOMIST: Iran

The exclusivity of Chavez's access to oil has also allowed him to subvert corrupt politicians in the region, as well as to offer a sanctions-busting 20, 000 barrel a week deal to Iran.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy

Send a team to haggle over missiles from North Korea, and enlist a known Chinese front company to pay Pyongyang to send you a sanctions-busting weapons cargo, transshipped via Burma, to bolster the image.

FORBES: Freedom's Edge