The United States has imposed sanctions on two prominent former Montenegrin officials, ex-Supreme Court President Vesna Medenica and former Budva Mayor Milo Božović, barring them from entering the U.S. due to alleged involvement in significant corruption tied to drug trafficking. The move underscores the U.S. commitment to combating transnational crime and corruption.
Key Takeaways
- Former Montenegrin Supreme Court President Vesna Medenica and former Budva Mayor Milo Božović have been sanctioned by the U.S. State Department.
- The sanctions are due to alleged involvement in significant corruption linked to drug trafficking.
- Immediate family members of both sanctioned individuals are also included in the entry ban.
- The U.S. stated these designations reinforce its commitment to fighting illicit drug trafficking and corruption.
Allegations Against Medenica and Božović
Vesna Medenica, who presided over Montenegro’s judiciary for nearly two decades, faces accusations of forming a criminal organization and abuse of office. Prosecutors allege she accepted bribes, leaked sensitive judicial information, and influenced court decisions to benefit a smuggling ring reportedly led by her son. Medenica was arrested in April 2022 and is currently on trial, having previously received a six-month prison sentence for abusing her official position, though a retrial was ordered.
Milo Božović, a notable figure in Budva and a member of the Democratic Front alliance, was arrested in 2023 for drug trafficking and is also currently on trial. The U.S. State Department indicated that these sanctions were imposed under specific U.S. legislation targeting corrupt officials and those involved in illicit activities.
U.S. Stance and Broader Implications
The U.S. State Department emphasized that these designations reaffirm its dedication to combating illicit drug trafficking, transnational criminal organizations, and corruption that pose a threat to U.S. national security interests in the Western Balkans and beyond. The sanctions extend to the immediate family members of both Medenica and Božović, including Dragana, Balša, and Pavle Božović, and Milos and Marija Medenica, making them ineligible for entry into the United States.
Medenica’s tenure as head of the Supreme Court ended in December 2021, following criticism from the European Commission and Montenegrin NGOs regarding her bid for a third term. Her son, Milos Medenica, has been in custody since May 2022, suspected of leading a criminal group involved in drug and cigarette smuggling and exerting illegal influence.
