Pattni, known for his involvement in Kenya's Goldenberg scandal, sees assets frozen amid serious allegations regarding his continued illicit dealings, affecting international relations and human rights.
UK Imposes Sanctions on Kenyan Businessman Linked to Corruption and Gold Smuggling
UK Imposes Sanctions on Kenyan Businessman Linked to Corruption and Gold Smuggling
The UK and US governments target Kamlesh Pattni over his alleged role in the illicit gold trade.
The UK and US have imposed sanctions on Kamlesh Pattni, a British-Kenyan businessman accused of significant involvement in the illicit gold trade. Along with Pattni, four others, including his wife and brother-in-law, will have their assets frozen, according to a statement from the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth and Development Office. Pattni is notorious for his role in the Goldenberg scandal, a massive corruption case in the 1990s believed to have cost Kenya upwards of $600 million (£470 million). Although he has denied engagement in the illicit gold business, allegations persist regarding his involvement in gold smuggling from Zimbabwe.
In the UK’s statement, officials emphasized the dangers illicit gold presents to legitimate markets, highlighting its role in fostering corruption and human rights violations like child labor. The statement also pointed out that Russia reportedly employs illegal gold trading to support its ongoing war in Ukraine. This led to Western nations, including the UK, prohibiting Russian gold imports in 2022 as a measure to diminish the financial backing of such conflicts.
The sanctions aim to disrupt Pattni's business activities and curb his influence, which has reportedly extended beyond Kenya's borders. Pattni allegedly played a central role in one of the largest corruption scandals in Kenya's history. Despite facing trial in 2006, proceedings fell apart, allowing him to present himself as a self-proclaimed pastor afterward. The US Treasury Department detailed Pattni's connections with former Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe and highlighted how he exploited Zimbabwe’s resources, enriching corrupt officials while depriving citizens of their rightful benefits.
Furthermore, Pattni became a subject of an Al-Jazeera investigation into a "gold mafia" operating in Zimbabwe, although he continues to refute any allegations of money laundering or gold smuggling in that context. As the sanctions unfold, they align with the UK’s broader initiative to combat global corruption more effectively.
In the UK’s statement, officials emphasized the dangers illicit gold presents to legitimate markets, highlighting its role in fostering corruption and human rights violations like child labor. The statement also pointed out that Russia reportedly employs illegal gold trading to support its ongoing war in Ukraine. This led to Western nations, including the UK, prohibiting Russian gold imports in 2022 as a measure to diminish the financial backing of such conflicts.
The sanctions aim to disrupt Pattni's business activities and curb his influence, which has reportedly extended beyond Kenya's borders. Pattni allegedly played a central role in one of the largest corruption scandals in Kenya's history. Despite facing trial in 2006, proceedings fell apart, allowing him to present himself as a self-proclaimed pastor afterward. The US Treasury Department detailed Pattni's connections with former Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe and highlighted how he exploited Zimbabwe’s resources, enriching corrupt officials while depriving citizens of their rightful benefits.
Furthermore, Pattni became a subject of an Al-Jazeera investigation into a "gold mafia" operating in Zimbabwe, although he continues to refute any allegations of money laundering or gold smuggling in that context. As the sanctions unfold, they align with the UK’s broader initiative to combat global corruption more effectively.
