Officials from North Macedonia and Kosovo also end up on US 'blacklist'

(Patria) - The US State Department announced today that it has placed two officials from North Macedonia and one from Kosovo on the "blacklist", reports Politički.ba.

According to the announcement from Washington, the sanctioned individuals are former Chief Prosecutor Katica Janeva; current Mayor of Karposh, Stevco Jakimovski; and former Mayor of Kacanik (a town in Kosovo), Xhabir Zharku.

"Their actions undermined the rule of law and public confidence in democratic institutions and public processes of their governments," the State Department's decision states.

It is noted that in her official capacity as former Special Chief Prosecutor of North Macedonia, Janeva was involved in corrupt acts, including using her political influence and official power for personal gain.

There is credible information that Janeva sought and accepted bribes to influence criminal prosecutions under her jurisdiction.

In his official capacity as Mayor of Karposh (North Macedonia), Jakimovski was involved in corrupt acts, including using his official position to interfere in urban development and procurement processes for the benefit of himself and his associates.

In his official capacity as Mayor of Kacanik (Kosovo), Zharku was involved in corrupt acts, including using his position to interfere in procurement processes to unlawfully allow construction on municipally-owned property, for the benefit of himself and his associates.

US authorities will continue to use all available powers to promote accountability for corrupt actors in the region and globally.