Washington, 11 April 2022 (MIA) - The US Department of State said Monday it has imposed bans barring former prime minister Nikola Gruevski and former secret police chief Sasho Mijalkov from entering the United States as a result of involvement in significant corruption. "Their actions undermined the rule of law, democratic institutions, and public processes in both countries and eroded the public’s faith in their governments," the Department of State said in a press release. The Department of State said that Gruevski, in his official capacity as prime minister, was involved in corrupt acts that included using his political influence and official power for personal benefit. "Specifically, there is credible information that Gruevski abused the power of his office to solicit and accept bribes in return for government contracts, misappropriated public funds, and interfered in electoral processes to benefit himself and his party politically," it added. In his official capacity as Director of the UBK, Mijalkov was involved in corrupt acts that included using his political influence and official power for personal benefit. "Specifically, there is credible information that Mijalkov abused the power of his office to solicit bribes in return for government contracts and interfered in electoral processes to benefit himself and his party politically," said the press release. Immediate family members of Gruevski and Mijalkov are also barred from entering the United States. "These designations reaffirm the US commitment to supporting the rule of law and strengthening democratic institutions of the Republic of North Macedonia. The Department will continue to use authorities like this to promote accountability for corrupt actors in this region and globally," said the press release.