US sanctions two senior Montenegrin officials for corruption
The US State Department has designated former Budva mayor and current MP Milo Božović and the former president of Montenegro’s Supreme Court, Vesna Medenica, as ineligible to enter the United States due to their involvement in serious corruption facilitating drug trafficking.
Why is this important: Washington says Božović abused public office to support organized crime and international drug operations, while Medenica used her position to protect a smuggling network by sharing court information, mediating verdicts, and accepting bribes in cash and property.
Context: The decision underscores US commitment to fighting illicit drug trafficking, transnational criminal organizations, and corruption that threatens US national security interests in the Western Balkans and beyond. After the return of Donald Trump to power, many in Albania and across the region had hoped Washington would drop such designations (which have also affected Albanian opposition leader Sali Berisha) blaming them on political agendas of the Biden administration and George Soros. However, the latest designations appear to signal that the Trump administration intends to continue the practice.
In addition to Božović and Medenica, the State Department also barred their immediate family members from entering the United States.
Next steps: These designations are part of broader US efforts to promote accountability and rule of law in Montenegro and the region, signaling continued pressure on officials accused of enabling organized crime.
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