U.S. sanctions N. Macedonia businessman Kocho Angjushev

"While serving as Deputy Prime Minister, Angjushev abused his official position to benefit his private business interests, undermining the confidence of North Macedonia’s public in their government institutions and public processes," the Department of State said in a statement on Tuesday.

Under the designation, Angjushev is generally ineligible for entry into the United States. The U.S. also designated Angjushev's wife, Elizabeta, and children, Angel and Ognen, as generally ineligible for entry into the country.

Angjushev served as deputy prime minister in charge of economic affairs from 2017 to 2020 in the government led by Zoran Zaev, who was the leader of the SDSM party at that time. Angjushev is the founder and owner of local diversified group Feroinvest.