Skopje, 19 July 2023 (MIA) – The U.S. Department of the Treasury designated on Wednesday businessman Orce Kamcev for corruption, bribery, money laundering and other criminal offenses. 

"Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated one individual, Jordan “Orce” Kamcev, in North Macedonia pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14033. Today’s designation underscores the United States’ continued commitment to promote accountability for individuals and entities that undermine or threaten the stability of the Western Balkans through corruption and other destabilizing behavior," the U.S. Department of the Treasury said in a press release.

According to the Treasury, Kamcev abused his position, engaging in corrupt activities and pursuing a self-serving agenda at the expense of North Macedonia’s democratic institutions and citizens. 

The Treasury also notes that Kamcev was convicted in the 'Vodno Land Parcels' trial for participating in a money laundering scheme linked to an illicit purchase of land, as well as that he pleaded guilty to aggravated abuse of office in the 'Empire Case', in which he was suspected of criminal association, fraud, money laundering, and other crimes related to his businesses.  

"Additionally, Kamcev used his corruptive influence and wealth to manipulate North Macedonia’s judicial system in his favor. In 2020, the head prosecutor of the Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPO) was charged for accepting a bribe from Kamcev and testified that Kamcev paid money in exchange for favorable arrest conditions and case outcomes. Kamcev later initiated a civil case against the head prosecutor and others, claiming they had extorted him. A Skopje civil court ruled that Kamcev was not a victim and was not entitled to compensatory damage," adds the press release. 

U.S. Ambassador to North Macedonia, Angela Aggeler, said the sanctions not only affect Kamcev's holdings and property, but also those who do business with him. 

"The U.S. will continue to target corrupt individuals who undermine the rule of law and stability of North Macedonia. Corruption has consequences," Aggeler posted on Twitter.

In addition to Kamcev, the Treasury also sanctioned on Wednesday three Belgian nationals, including Othman El Ballouti, his younger brother, Younes El Ballouti, and his associate, Youssef Ben Azza, as well as one Mexican national, Franco Tabarez Martinez, for international drug trafficking, including cocaine and fentanyl. Those designated today are involved in the importation and distribution of narcotics destined for U.S. and European markets.

Recently, the U.S. Department of State also designated Struga Mayor Ramiz Merko as generally ineligible for entry into the United States due to his involvement in significant corruption.

Photo: MIA