U.S. Blocks Vladimir Perisic for Dodik's Sanctions Evasion Scheme!
- The U.S. Treasury blacklisted Vladimir Perisic and his company Elpring d.o.o. Laktasi for sanctions evasion.
- These measures are linked to Milorad Dodik, the sanctioned president of Republika Srpska, for corruption and threats to regional stability.
- The U.S. government aims to expose and counteract the corrupt networks undermining public confidence in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
On November 6, 2024, the United States blacklisted a front company named Elpring d.o.o. Laktasi and its director Vladimir Perisic for their involvement in a sanctions evasion network associated with Milorad Dodik, the president of Republika Srpska. The Treasury Department accused Perisic and his company of being part of a scheme that aims to circumvent previous U.S. sanctions imposed on Dodik. These sanctions arose due to Dodik's corrupt practices and efforts threatening the stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Dodik has been accused of exploiting his official position to steer government contracts toward networks of companies he and his son, designated Igor Dodik, control. Previous sanctions targeted various entities within this network, including Kaldera Company, which was reportedly replaced by Elpring to further obscure ownership. The Biden administration's actions are part of ongoing attempts to uphold the integrity of the Dayton Peace Agreement, which ended the Bosnian War. Officials emphasize the detrimental impact of corruption on public trust in state institutions across the region. Statements from U.S. officials indicate a firm commitment to combating such corrupt networks, reinforcing that actions against Dodik and his associates are crucial for maintaining peace frameworks in the area.