Today, the U.S. Department of State announces the public designation of former North Macedonia Special Chief Prosecutor, Katica Janeva; current mayor of Karpos, North Macedonia, Stevco Jakimovski; and former mayor of Kacanik, Kosovo, Xhabir Zharku. Their actions undermined the rule of law and the public’s faith in their respective governments’ democratic institutions and public processes.
In her official capacity as former North Macedonia Special Chief Prosecutor, Janeva was involved in corrupt acts, including using her political influence and official power for personal benefit. There is credible information Janeva solicited and accepted a bribe to influence a prosecution under her purview.
In his official capacity as mayor of Karpos municipality, North Macedonia, Jakimovski was involved in corrupt acts, including using his official position to interfere with urban development and procurement processes to benefit himself and his associates.
In his official capacity as mayor of Kacanik municipality, Kosovo, Zharku was involved in corrupt acts, including using his position to interfere with procurement processes to unlawfully permit construction on property owned by the municipality, to benefit himself and his associates.
These designations reaffirm the U.S. commitment to supporting the rule of law and strengthening democratic institutions throughout the Balkans. The Department will continue to use all available authorities to promote accountability for corrupt actors in the region and globally.
These designations are made under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2023, as carried forward by the Continuing Appropriations Act. In addition to Janeva and Jakimovski, the Department of State is designating their immediate family members – Jakimovski’s two adult sons, Goce Jakimovski and Damjan Jakimovski, and Janeva’s spouse and adult son, Venci Janev and Lazar Janev. These actions render Janeva, Jakimovski, Zharku, and their immediate family members generally ineligible for entry into the United States.
