UK Imposes Sanctions on Kamlesh Pattni Linked to Illicit Gold Trade

The UK and US governments have placed sanctions on Kamlesh Pattni, a British-Kenyan businessman implicated in extensive illicit gold trade activities and one of Kenya's major corruption scandals.

The UK Foreign and Commonwealth and Development Office has announced sanctions against Kamlesh Pattni, a controversial British-Kenyan businessman accused of decades of gold smuggling from Africa. Alongside Pattni, four of his close associates, including family members, will see their assets frozen as part of the coordinated effort to combat illegal trading practices involving precious metals.

The announcement highlights Pattni's alleged ties to the infamous Goldenberg affair, which reportedly siphoned off at least $600 million (£470 million) from Kenya in the 1990s. This scandal involved prominent government officials and nearly brought Kenya to its knees financially. Although Pattni faced trial for his role, the legal proceedings crumbled, allowing him to evade justice at the time.

In addition to the Goldenberg scandal, Pattni has faced scrutiny for his supposed connections to the illicit gold trade in Zimbabwe, claims he has consistently denied. A statement from the UK government condemned illicit gold dealings as detrimental to legitimate commerce, asserting that such activities fuel corruption, violate human rights, and serve dubious geopolitical interests, further noting that Russia utilizes illegal gold to finance its military actions in Ukraine.

The recent sanctions align with global efforts to diminish Pattni's operations, revealing concerns over his extensive network allegedly involving various nations. The US Treasury has underscored Pattni’s historical relationships with corrupt government officials, claiming that his dealings have deprived citizens of natural resources and enriched criminal factions.

The sanctions represent a part of the UK's broader initiative to tackle systemic corruption worldwide, amid increasing scrutiny over international financial misconduct. This decisive action against Pattni comes shortly after the UK reinstated its commitment to fighting global corruption, with more measures anticipated to follow.