Skopje, 20 July 2023 (MIA) - The U.S. Treasury Department designated Jordan “Orce” Kamcev under Executive Order 14033 for corrupt acts and criminal offenses, subsequent decisions of authorities and institutions here to take further action is up to them and should be based on the laws here, U.S. Ambassador Angela Aggeler told Thursday's press conference at the U.S. Embassy, pointing out that everyone should come to understand that corruption has consequences. 

"The subsequent decisions of law enforcement, the judiciary, or other government officials to take further action is up to them and their decisions should be based on the laws of North Macedonia," said Aggeler. 

She noted that the Treasury on Wednesday designated Kamcev under Executive Order 14033 for corrupt acts and criminal offenses. 

"I hope recent actions from Washington have made it clear that the United States can and will continue to use any and all tools at its disposal to hold accountable those individuals and organizations whose criminal activities undermine the security, stability, and governance values of North Macedonia, regardless of position, political affiliation, or timing of the abuses.  The United States, by law, takes a whole of government approach to accountability regardless of whether designations come from the State Department, Treasury, Commerce, or other branches of our government," Aggeler stressed. 

She said that the abuse of office, money laundering, bribery, and other offenses Kamcev participated in not only eroded public confidence in North Macedonia’s justice sector, but also represented a significant betrayal of the people of this country. 

"The public deserves institutions that can be trusted to follow democratic principles with transparency and without compromise.  For North Macedonia to overcome the challenges ahead and achieve its goal of a prosperous, productive, and valued member of the European community, corruption cannot go unchecked. Corrupt actors must and will be held accountable, as this designation demonstrates," Aggeler added. 

She noted that under U.S. law, the Department of the Treasury must designate an individual when presented with strong evidence of corrupt acts and criminal offenses, and the same is true of the Departments of State and Commerce.

"Corruption—in whatever form it takes—should not be tolerated in this country. Those who have undermined the rule of law for personal gain and at the expense of the people of North Macedonia should come to understand that corruption has consequences. And it is my hope that the people of this wonderful country will demand integrity from those with influence," said the U.S. Ambassador.

Asked whether the list can be expected to expend, Aggeler said this was an ongoing process and she can't say who is next.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury designated on Wednesday businessman Orce Kamcev for corruption, bribery, money laundering and other criminal offenses.

"The 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 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 noted 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," the press release added. 

Photo: U.S. Embassy