The United States has imposed sanctions on three individuals and four entities that are part of the patronage network of Milorad Dodik, the President of Republika Srpska in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as part of ongoing efforts to combat corruption and destabilizing political activities in the Western Balkans. This move is also aimed at countering Dodik’s attempts to evade U.S. sanctions and further enrich himself and his family through illicit means.
In a press statement, Matthew Miller, Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, announced the designation of Stasa Kosarac, a Bosnian politician, who plays a significant role in enabling Dodik’s corrupt activities. Kosarac’s actions have directly contributed to Dodik’s efforts to undermine the stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina through his corrupt and politically destabilizing actions.
Targeting Corruption and Evasion Tactics
Milorad Dodik, previously sanctioned by the U.S. for engaging in corruption and undermining the rule of law in Bosnia and Herzegovina, has used his position of power to accumulate significant wealth. Dodik and his son, Igor Dodik, have operated several companies that are directly linked to the family’s financial interests. Through these business dealings, Dodik has sought to evade accountability and maintain control over public institutions while enriching himself at the expense of the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The U.S. sanctions specifically target individuals and entities that are actively helping the Dodik family evade U.S. sanctions by manipulating company ownership structures and re-registering previously designated companies under new names. This deliberate circumvention of sanctions is seen as a blatant effort to perpetuate corruption and disrupt the rule of law in the country.
U.S. Commitment to Accountability
Today’s sanctions represent the latest in a series of actions aimed at holding Milorad Dodik and his network accountable for their corrupt activities and their role in destabilizing the Western Balkans. The United States continues to emphasize that it will not tolerate efforts by individuals or entities to support Dodik’s attempts to enrich himself or support his politically destabilizing agenda.
The U.S. government’s actions are taken under Executive Order 14033, which targets individuals and entities contributing to the destabilizing situation in the Western Balkans. This Executive Order gives the U.S. government the authority to block the property and suspend the entry of certain individuals and entities who are deemed to be undermining the security, stability, and democratic institutions of the region.
Continued Pressure on Dodik’s Network
The U.S. Department of the Treasury, which has been closely monitoring the situation, also released a statement confirming that the actions taken today will further expose the Dodik family’s continued efforts to evade sanctions and enrich themselves at the expense of the region’s stability. The Treasury Department’s actions reinforce the U.S. commitment to holding accountable those who are part of this corrupt network and who continue to enable Dodik’s destabilizing activities.
“We will continue to target those who facilitate Dodik’s corruption and those who enable his efforts to pursue destabilizing activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Miller. “This action underscores our commitment to accountability and our efforts to support the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina in their pursuit of a more democratic and prosperous future.”
A Broader Strategy for the Western Balkans
The sanctions on Dodik’s network come as part of the U.S. government’s broader strategy to promote stability and democratic governance in the Western Balkans. The U.S. has consistently sought to support anti-corruption efforts and hold accountable those who undermine the sovereignty and integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which has faced political and economic challenges in recent years.
The U.S. government has repeatedly emphasized that its actions are not aimed at the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina but are designed to target individuals and networks that hinder the country’s democratic development, exacerbate corruption, and threaten regional peace.
Next Steps
The U.S. will continue to monitor the situation and take further action as necessary to ensure that those who undermine stability in the Western Balkans face consequences for their actions. The recent sanctions are a clear indication that the United States will remain vigilant in its efforts to disrupt corrupt activities and hold accountable those responsible for undermining the rule of law in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
For more information on the sanctions, please refer to the Treasury Department’s press release.