US Treasury Department sanctions chief of Serbia's Security Information Agency

WASHINGTON

The US on Tuesday sanctioned the head of Serbia's Security Information Agency for what it said is corruption and misuse of office.

"The designation of Aleksandar Vulin (Vulin) underscores the United States’ determination to hold accountable those engaged in corrupt dealings that further their own political agendas and personal interests at the expense of peace and stability in the Western Balkans," the Treasury Department said in a statement.

"These corrupt dealings facilitate Russian malign activities in Serbia and the region," it said.

The US accused Vulin of being implicated in transnational organized crime, illegal narcotics operations and misuse of public office.

"Vulin has maintained a mutually beneficial relationship with U.S.-designated Serbian arms dealer Slobodan Tesic, helping ensure that Tesic’s illegal arms shipments can move freely across Serbia’s borders," said the statement.

It said Vulin’s acts have advanced corruption within Serbia’s governing institutions.

"He has used his public positions to support Russia, facilitating Russia’s malign activities that degrade the security and stability of the Western Balkans and providing Russia a platform to further its influence in the region," said the statement.

Vulin previously served as defense and interior minister.