The sanctions aim to combat the illicit gold trade, which contributes to corruption and human rights abuses.
UK Imposes Sanctions on Kenyan Businessman Linked to Illicit Gold Trafficking
UK Imposes Sanctions on Kenyan Businessman Linked to Illicit Gold Trafficking
The UK and US governments target Kamlesh Pattni for alleged gold smuggling and corruption.
The UK and US authorities have placed sanctions on Kamlesh Pattni, a British-Kenyan businessman, due to his alleged involvement in the illicit gold trade. Alongside Pattni, four individuals including his wife and brother-in-law will see their assets frozen, as detailed in a statement from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth and Development Office. Pattni has a controversial history, notably being implicated in the Goldenberg scandal—a major corruption case in Kenya that allegedly cost the nation around $600 million (£470 million). While Pattni has refuted allegations of gold trafficking in Zimbabwe, he is under scrutiny from both governments.
In the official statement, UK authorities noted that "illicit gold is an assault on the legitimate trade of a valuable commodity," linking it to various issues including corruption and human rights violations such as child labor. Additionally, they pointed out the connection between illegal gold and the funding of Russia's military actions in Ukraine, stating that illicit gold activities aid in laundered transactions that support President Vladimir Putin's war efforts.
Following the imposition of sanctions, which were initiated to disrupt Pattni's business operations, a deeper investigation revealed Pattni's history with significant financial fraud in Kenya during the 1990s. Although he faced legal proceedings in 2006 for his role in the Goldenberg affair, the case collapsed, marking a controversial episode in Kenya's judicial history. Once known for his financial misdeeds, Pattni has reshaped his public persona as a self-identified pastor.
The US Treasury has suggested that Pattni maintained close ties with former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, leveraging this relationship to exploit the country’s natural resources to his favor. Reports suggest that his fraudulent activities not only enriched corrupt officials but also stripped resources from the local populace. Pattni was further implicated in an Al-Jazeera investigation regarding the so-called "gold mafia" operating in Zimbabwe; however, he persists in denying involvement in any illegal activities.
These sanctions are part of a broader initiative by the UK to address global corruption and counteract illegal activities that undermine lawful business practices and human rights.
In the official statement, UK authorities noted that "illicit gold is an assault on the legitimate trade of a valuable commodity," linking it to various issues including corruption and human rights violations such as child labor. Additionally, they pointed out the connection between illegal gold and the funding of Russia's military actions in Ukraine, stating that illicit gold activities aid in laundered transactions that support President Vladimir Putin's war efforts.
Following the imposition of sanctions, which were initiated to disrupt Pattni's business operations, a deeper investigation revealed Pattni's history with significant financial fraud in Kenya during the 1990s. Although he faced legal proceedings in 2006 for his role in the Goldenberg affair, the case collapsed, marking a controversial episode in Kenya's judicial history. Once known for his financial misdeeds, Pattni has reshaped his public persona as a self-identified pastor.
The US Treasury has suggested that Pattni maintained close ties with former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, leveraging this relationship to exploit the country’s natural resources to his favor. Reports suggest that his fraudulent activities not only enriched corrupt officials but also stripped resources from the local populace. Pattni was further implicated in an Al-Jazeera investigation regarding the so-called "gold mafia" operating in Zimbabwe; however, he persists in denying involvement in any illegal activities.
These sanctions are part of a broader initiative by the UK to address global corruption and counteract illegal activities that undermine lawful business practices and human rights.
