The United States is imposing sanctions today on three individuals and four entities that form part of Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik’s patronage network and enable the Dodik family’s continued attempts to evade U.S. sanctions. This action also includes the designation of Stasa Kosarac, a Bosnia and Herzegovina politician who serves as a key enabler of Dodik’s corruption and destabilizing political agenda.
The U.S. government previously designated Dodik for, among other things, engaging in corruption related to the Western Balkans. For years, Dodik has used his official position to accumulate personal wealth through companies connected to himself and his son, Igor Dodik. This corruption has undermined public confidence in Bosnia and Herzegovina state institutions and the rule of law. The Dodik network has continued its deliberate attempts to circumvent U.S sanctions, namely by manipulating management structures and re-registering designated companies under new names.
Today’s action further exposes the Dodik family’s blatant and corrupt attempts to enrich themselves and to circumvent U.S. sanctions. The United States will continue to target and promote accountability for those who facilitate Dodik’s corruption and enable his efforts to pursue destabilizing activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Department of the Treasury’s actions are being taken pursuant to Executive Order 14033, “Blocking Property and Suspending Entry Into the United States of Certain Persons Contributing to the Destabilizing Situation in the Western Balkans.” For more information, please see Treasury’s press release.
