The UK and US have imposed sanctions on Kamlesh Pattni due to his alleged long-standing involvement in illegal gold smuggling.
UK Targets Kenyan Businessman with Sanctions Over Gold Smuggling Allegations
UK Targets Kenyan Businessman with Sanctions Over Gold Smuggling Allegations
Kamlesh Pattni faces asset freezes as part of the crackdown on illicit gold trade operations.
The UK Foreign and Commonwealth and Development Office has announced that Kamlesh Pattni, a British-Kenyan businessman, along with four associates including family members, will have their assets frozen as part of recent sanctions. Pattni has been linked to the illicit gold trade, particularly in Zimbabwe, despite previously denying such allegations. The sanctions stem from his past involvement in Kenya's Goldenberg scandal, a corruption case from the 1990s that reportedly cost the country over $600 million.
According to the UK government's statement, illicit gold trading contributes to corruption, undermines legal commerce, and exacerbates human rights violations, including child labor. The statement also highlighted the connection between illegal gold dealings and Russia's war in Ukraine, pointing to the usage of such trades to launder money and avoid sanctions, which ultimately funds military efforts.
In the context of these sanctions, the UK aims to "disrupt and deter" Pattni's business activities. Pattni was previously accused of being a pivotal figure in the Goldenberg scandal, a high-profile fraud case that involved senior Kenyan officials. Although he faced a legal trial in 2006, it ultimately failed to secure conviction. After his initial controversies, Pattni claimed to have turned a new leaf as a self-styled pastor.
The US Treasury report further elaborated on Pattni's alleged connections, particularly referencing his former friendship with Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe's ex-president, which he reportedly leveraged to exploit the nation's resources for profit. This resulted in significant financial losses for ordinary Zimbabweans while benefiting corrupt officials and criminals. Pattni has been prominently featured in media investigations focused on the so-called "gold mafia" operating in Zimbabwe, although he has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to money laundering or gold trafficking.
These developments coincide with the UK government launching new initiatives aimed at combating global corruption. The intensifying scrutiny highlights the urgent need for transparency and lawful practices in the gold trade industry to protect both local economies and human rights.
According to the UK government's statement, illicit gold trading contributes to corruption, undermines legal commerce, and exacerbates human rights violations, including child labor. The statement also highlighted the connection between illegal gold dealings and Russia's war in Ukraine, pointing to the usage of such trades to launder money and avoid sanctions, which ultimately funds military efforts.
In the context of these sanctions, the UK aims to "disrupt and deter" Pattni's business activities. Pattni was previously accused of being a pivotal figure in the Goldenberg scandal, a high-profile fraud case that involved senior Kenyan officials. Although he faced a legal trial in 2006, it ultimately failed to secure conviction. After his initial controversies, Pattni claimed to have turned a new leaf as a self-styled pastor.
The US Treasury report further elaborated on Pattni's alleged connections, particularly referencing his former friendship with Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe's ex-president, which he reportedly leveraged to exploit the nation's resources for profit. This resulted in significant financial losses for ordinary Zimbabweans while benefiting corrupt officials and criminals. Pattni has been prominently featured in media investigations focused on the so-called "gold mafia" operating in Zimbabwe, although he has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to money laundering or gold trafficking.
These developments coincide with the UK government launching new initiatives aimed at combating global corruption. The intensifying scrutiny highlights the urgent need for transparency and lawful practices in the gold trade industry to protect both local economies and human rights.
