Kamlesh Pattni, along with four associates, faces asset freezes due to his connections to corruption and illegal gold operations that have impacted economies in Africa.
UK Imposes Sanctions on Kenyan Businessman Over Alleged Gold Smuggling
UK Imposes Sanctions on Kenyan Businessman Over Alleged Gold Smuggling
The UK and US governments have sanctioned Kamlesh Pattni for his alleged involvement in the illicit gold trade.
The UK and US governments have announced sanctions against Kamlesh Pattni, a British-Kenyan businessman, over his alleged role in the illicit gold trade that has long plagued parts of Africa. Pattni, along with four individuals including his wife and brother-in-law, will have their assets frozen as part of these measures, according to a statement from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office.
Pattni has been linked to the Goldenberg scandal, one of Kenya's most notorious corruption cases, which reportedly cost the nation at least $600 million (£470 million). Despite his denials, he has also faced accusations of engaging in the illicit gold trade in Zimbabwe. The UK government's statement highlights that illegal gold trafficking not only undermines legitimate trade but also perpetuates human rights abuses, including child labor.
Furthermore, it points to the role of illicit gold in supporting Russia's war in Ukraine, stating that the Kremlin utilizes this trade to launder money and bypass sanctions. The sanctions against Pattni aim to "disrupt and deter" his operations, drawing attention to the broader picture of corruption in gold trading that has detrimental effects on local economies.
Pattni is a controversial figure, having been accused of being a key player in the Goldenberg scandal, a major gold and currency fraud scheme in the 1990s that nearly bankrupted Kenya. Although he faced trial in 2006, the legal proceedings were ultimately dropped. Notably, he later rebranded himself as a self-proclaimed pastor.
The US Treasury has stated that Pattni had connections with former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, which facilitated his exploitation of the country’s natural resources. According to the Treasury, Pattni's activities have robbed Zimbabweans of the benefits from their resources while lining the pockets of corrupt officials and criminal organizations.
Pattni has recently been featured in Al-Jazeera’s investigation into the so-called "gold mafia" operating in Zimbabwe, vehemently denying any accusations of money laundering or gold smuggling. The sanctions coincide with the UK government's new initiative aimed at combating global corruption, reflecting an ongoing commitment to address these pervasive issues in international trade and governance.
Pattni has been linked to the Goldenberg scandal, one of Kenya's most notorious corruption cases, which reportedly cost the nation at least $600 million (£470 million). Despite his denials, he has also faced accusations of engaging in the illicit gold trade in Zimbabwe. The UK government's statement highlights that illegal gold trafficking not only undermines legitimate trade but also perpetuates human rights abuses, including child labor.
Furthermore, it points to the role of illicit gold in supporting Russia's war in Ukraine, stating that the Kremlin utilizes this trade to launder money and bypass sanctions. The sanctions against Pattni aim to "disrupt and deter" his operations, drawing attention to the broader picture of corruption in gold trading that has detrimental effects on local economies.
Pattni is a controversial figure, having been accused of being a key player in the Goldenberg scandal, a major gold and currency fraud scheme in the 1990s that nearly bankrupted Kenya. Although he faced trial in 2006, the legal proceedings were ultimately dropped. Notably, he later rebranded himself as a self-proclaimed pastor.
The US Treasury has stated that Pattni had connections with former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, which facilitated his exploitation of the country’s natural resources. According to the Treasury, Pattni's activities have robbed Zimbabweans of the benefits from their resources while lining the pockets of corrupt officials and criminal organizations.
Pattni has recently been featured in Al-Jazeera’s investigation into the so-called "gold mafia" operating in Zimbabwe, vehemently denying any accusations of money laundering or gold smuggling. The sanctions coincide with the UK government's new initiative aimed at combating global corruption, reflecting an ongoing commitment to address these pervasive issues in international trade and governance.
