The UK and US governments have imposed sanctions on Kamlesh Pattni, a British-Kenyan businessman, over his alleged involvement in the illicit gold trade.
Pattni, along with four others, including his wife and brother-in-law, will have their assets frozen, according to a statement by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO).
Pattni is notorious for his alleged role in Kenya’s infamous Goldenberg scandal, a 1990s corruption scheme that reportedly cost the country over $600 million. Though he was tried for his involvement in 2006, the proceedings were inconclusive. Pattni has since faced allegations of gold smuggling in Zimbabwe, which he has consistently denied.
The UK described illicit gold trading as a “threat to legitimate trade” that fuels corruption, violates human rights, and undermines governance. “Russia uses the illicit gold trade to launder money and evade sanctions, bolstering [President Vladimir] Putin’s war efforts in Ukraine,” the statement added. Western nations, including the UK, banned Russian gold imports in 2022 to restrict Moscow’s wartime funding.
The sanctions aim to “disrupt and deter” Pattni’s business activities. The US Treasury revealed that Pattni leveraged ties with former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe to exploit the country’s resources for personal enrichment while depriving citizens of their benefits.
Pattni was also implicated in Al Jazeera’s investigation into Zimbabwe’s “gold mafia,” though he denied allegations of money laundering and gold smuggling. The US Treasury noted that his illicit network extended across several countries.
This development coincides with the UK’s launch of a global anti-corruption initiative, emphasizing its commitment to tackling financial crimes worldwide.
