Kamlesh Pattni faces asset freezes and accusations of extensive involvement in corruption and gold smuggling in Africa
UK Sanctions Kenyan Businessman Kamlesh Pattni Over Gold Smuggling Allegations
UK Sanctions Kenyan Businessman Kamlesh Pattni Over Gold Smuggling Allegations
Sanctions imposed alongside US government targeting illicit gold trade connections
The UK and US have taken significant action against British-Kenyan businessman Kamlesh Pattni, imposing sanctions due to his alleged participation in the illicit gold trade. This move also affects four other individuals linked to him, including family members, and entails freezing their assets, as stated by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Pattni, notorious for his involvement in the Goldenberg scandal—one of Kenya's largest corruption cases—has been accused of orchestrating schemes that drained the country of at least $600 million (£470 million). Recently, he has faced additional charges regarding illegal gold operations in Zimbabwe, which he has consistently denied. In an official statement, the UK government condemned the illicit gold trade, labeling it a detrimental force undermining legitimate commerce and contributing to human rights violations, such as child labour.
Furthermore, the report highlighted the connection between illegal gold and the financing of Russia's war efforts in Ukraine. The sanctions aim to disrupt Pattni's operations, which the UK government is keen to address alongside a new initiative to combat global corruption. Historically, Pattni has had close ties with former Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe, leveraging this relationship to exploit the nation’s natural resources for profit.
His involvement in notable investigations, including a recent Al-Jazeera exposé focusing on the "gold mafia" in Zimbabwe, has further drawn scrutiny to his businesses. Despite the ongoing allegations, Pattni maintains that he has no participation in money laundering or gold smuggling activities, proclaiming his innocence in the face of seasoned corruption accusations and previous legal challenges. The developments represent a global push against intricate networks of illicit trade that jeopardize economic integrity and national security.
Pattni, notorious for his involvement in the Goldenberg scandal—one of Kenya's largest corruption cases—has been accused of orchestrating schemes that drained the country of at least $600 million (£470 million). Recently, he has faced additional charges regarding illegal gold operations in Zimbabwe, which he has consistently denied. In an official statement, the UK government condemned the illicit gold trade, labeling it a detrimental force undermining legitimate commerce and contributing to human rights violations, such as child labour.
Furthermore, the report highlighted the connection between illegal gold and the financing of Russia's war efforts in Ukraine. The sanctions aim to disrupt Pattni's operations, which the UK government is keen to address alongside a new initiative to combat global corruption. Historically, Pattni has had close ties with former Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe, leveraging this relationship to exploit the nation’s natural resources for profit.
His involvement in notable investigations, including a recent Al-Jazeera exposé focusing on the "gold mafia" in Zimbabwe, has further drawn scrutiny to his businesses. Despite the ongoing allegations, Pattni maintains that he has no participation in money laundering or gold smuggling activities, proclaiming his innocence in the face of seasoned corruption accusations and previous legal challenges. The developments represent a global push against intricate networks of illicit trade that jeopardize economic integrity and national security.
