An official from Serbia, linked to corruption, has been sanctioned.

On July 11, 2023, WASHINGTON - Today, the US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned one individual in Serbia pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14033. The designation of Alexander Vulin underscores the United States' resolve to target those who engage in corruption for their own political agendas and personal enrichment at the expense of peace and stability in the Western Balkans. These corrupt practices facilitate Russia's harmful activities in Serbia and the region.

{"The Ministry of Finance will not hesitate to take action against those who abuse their positions for personal gain, undermining effective and democratic governance in the Western Balkans," said Deputy Minister of Finance for Counterterrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson. "Today's action penalizes Aleksandar Vulin for his corrupt and destabilizing actions, which have also facilitated Russia's malign activity in the region."

OFFICIAL USING THEIR POSITION FOR POLITICAL PURPOSES

Aleksandar Vulin (Vulin) has ties to transnational organized crime, illicit drug business, and abuse of public office. Vulin maintains a mutually beneficial relationship with Slobodan Tesic, a Serbian arms baron under U.S. sanctions, which helps ensure the free flow of Tesic's illicit arms shipments across Serbia's borders.

Vulin's actions contribute to corruption in Serbia's governing institutions. He abuses his power for personal gain, including involvement in drug trafficking. He uses his public positions to support Russia, facilitating malicious Russian activities that undermine the security and stability of the Western Balkans and provide a platform for Russia to expand its influence in the region.

OFAC designates Vulin under Executive Order 14033 for responsibility for or involvement in corruption related to the Western Balkans, including corruption by the Western Balkans government, or a current or former public official at any level of the Western Balkans government, such as misappropriation of government assets, confiscation of private assets for personal gain or political purposes, or bribery.

SANCTIONS AND THEIR IMPACT

As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of a specified person located in the United States or owned or controlled by U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities owned directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, by 50 percent or more of one or more of the blocked persons are also blocked. All transactions conducted by U.S. persons within the United States (or in transit) involving any property or interest in property of these or otherwise blocked persons are prohibited unless authorized by a general or special license issued by OFAC or exempted. Contributions or provision of funds, goods, or services from a blocked person, or receipt of contributions or provision of funds, goods, or services from such a person, are prohibited. In addition, financial institutions and other persons who engage in certain transactions or activities with an authorized person may be subject to sanctions or enforcement actions.

Click here for more information about today's appointee.