WASHINGTON, June 18, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - The United States on Tuesday tightened sanctions targeting Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik and his family, taking aim at a network of individuals and firms it accused of raising money for him.

Since the 1992-1995 war, Bosnia has consisted of two semi-independent entities -- a Muslim-Croat federation and a Bosnian entity known as Republika Srpska (RS).

The two entities are guaranteed a large degree of autonomy and connected by a weak central government.

The Treasury Department said in a statement that it was sanctioning two individuals and seven firms that provided Dodik -- the head of the Republika Srpska who is already under US sanctions -- with "major sources of revenue."

"The United States condemns Dodik's continued efforts to erode the institutions that have ensured peace and stability for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region," US treasury undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence Brian Nelson said.

"We will continue to expose the fraudulent schemes that enable Dodik and his family to exploit their own people for their personal benefit."

The Treasury Department said Dodik used his official position to direct government contracts to private companies that he oversees along with his son, Igor.

"While Igor controls many of the companies in this network, he obfuscates his personal connection to the companies by relying on distinct nominal owners and directors," it added.