Serb intelligence chief sanctioned for supporting Russia’s ‘malign activities’

The United States has imposed sanctions on a Serbian security official for a litany of illicit activities, including using his position to support Russia and facilitating its ‘malign activities’ in the Balkans.

The US Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (‘OFAC’) said Aleksandar Vulin, head of the Serbian intelligence agency, ‘has been implicated in transnational organised crime, illegal narcotics operations, and misuse of public office.’

‘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,’ it said, 11 July.

OFAC added that 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.’

The United States, European Union and other allies have imposed similar sanctions on individuals or groups in the Balkans for pro-Russian ‘destabilising’ activities.