> It was sanctioned sanction /ˈsaŋ(k)ʃ(ə)n/ Learn to pronounce give official permission or approval for (an action). "the scheme was sanctioned by the court"

> It was sanctioned sanction /ˈsaŋ(k)ʃ(ə)n/ Learn to pronounce give official permission or approval for (an action). "the scheme was sanctioned by the court" The article states that they have been arrested, so it was clearly NOT sanctioned.