The British-Kenyan businessman Kamlesh Pattni, known for his alleged involvement in the illicit gold trade and former ties to one of Kenya's largest corruption scandals, has been sanctioned by both the UK and US governments. These sanctions, aimed at freezing assets, apply not only to Pattni but also to four associates, including his family members. Pattni's history is marred by his role in the Goldenberg scandal during the 1990s, which inflicted substantial financial damage on Kenya. Despite his denials, he has faced accusations of exploiting Zimbabwe's gold resources, allegedly benefiting from corrupt practices, including links to former President Robert Mugabe. The UK has stated that these sanctions are designed to combat the broader issues of corruption and human rights abuses that arise from the illicit gold trade, which also indirectly supports global conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine.
UK Targets Kenyan Businessman in Illicit Gold Trade Sanctions
UK Targets Kenyan Businessman in Illicit Gold Trade Sanctions
The UK and US take action against Kamlesh Pattni and associates over gold smuggling allegations.
The article text:
The UK and US governments have put sanctions on a British-Kenyan businessman related to his alleged participation in the illicit gold trade. Kamlesh Pattni, along with four other individuals, including his wife and brother-in-law, will see their assets frozen, according to a release from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office. Pattni has been associated with one of Kenya's most significant corruption scandals, known as Goldenberg, which reportedly cost the nation over $600 million (£470 million) in losses. He has faced various allegations linked to the illegal gold trade in Zimbabwe, claims he has consistently denied.
The UK's statement highlighted the detrimental impact of illicit gold on legal trade, describing it as an "assault" that fuels corruption, undermines the legal system, and contributes to severe human rights violations, such as child labor. Furthermore, the statement indicated that Russia is implicated in using illegal gold operations to fund its war efforts in Ukraine. In light of the ongoing conflict, the UK and other Western nations imposed a ban on Russian gold imports back in 2022, aiming to limit Moscow's resources.
The UK government aims to "disrupt and deter" Pattni's business activities with this sanction. Allegedly, he was a central figure in the Goldenberg fraud of the 1990s, which nearly bankrupted Kenya and involved high-ranking officials in the government. Although Pattni faced a trial in 2006 concerning this scandal, the case collapsed without result. Afterward, he claimed to have taken the role of a pastor.
Moreover, the US Treasury has pointed to Pattni's close relationships with former Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe, who aided him in making profits through the exploitation of the country's natural assets. The Treasury report underscored that Pattni's actions deprived Zimbabwean citizens of their rightful access to resource-based benefits while enriching corrupt officials and criminal enterprises.
Pattni also featured prominently in Al-Jazeera's investigation, which scrutinized the so-called "gold mafia" operating within Zimbabwe. Asserting his innocence, he denied any involvement in gold smuggling or money laundering activities. The US Treasury's report indicated that Pattni's illegal operations extend across multiple countries. The announcement of these sanctions coincides with the UK's efforts to implement a new program targeting global corruption, indicating a broader commitment to address these pervasive issues.
The UK and US governments have put sanctions on a British-Kenyan businessman related to his alleged participation in the illicit gold trade. Kamlesh Pattni, along with four other individuals, including his wife and brother-in-law, will see their assets frozen, according to a release from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office. Pattni has been associated with one of Kenya's most significant corruption scandals, known as Goldenberg, which reportedly cost the nation over $600 million (£470 million) in losses. He has faced various allegations linked to the illegal gold trade in Zimbabwe, claims he has consistently denied.
The UK's statement highlighted the detrimental impact of illicit gold on legal trade, describing it as an "assault" that fuels corruption, undermines the legal system, and contributes to severe human rights violations, such as child labor. Furthermore, the statement indicated that Russia is implicated in using illegal gold operations to fund its war efforts in Ukraine. In light of the ongoing conflict, the UK and other Western nations imposed a ban on Russian gold imports back in 2022, aiming to limit Moscow's resources.
The UK government aims to "disrupt and deter" Pattni's business activities with this sanction. Allegedly, he was a central figure in the Goldenberg fraud of the 1990s, which nearly bankrupted Kenya and involved high-ranking officials in the government. Although Pattni faced a trial in 2006 concerning this scandal, the case collapsed without result. Afterward, he claimed to have taken the role of a pastor.
Moreover, the US Treasury has pointed to Pattni's close relationships with former Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe, who aided him in making profits through the exploitation of the country's natural assets. The Treasury report underscored that Pattni's actions deprived Zimbabwean citizens of their rightful access to resource-based benefits while enriching corrupt officials and criminal enterprises.
Pattni also featured prominently in Al-Jazeera's investigation, which scrutinized the so-called "gold mafia" operating within Zimbabwe. Asserting his innocence, he denied any involvement in gold smuggling or money laundering activities. The US Treasury's report indicated that Pattni's illegal operations extend across multiple countries. The announcement of these sanctions coincides with the UK's efforts to implement a new program targeting global corruption, indicating a broader commitment to address these pervasive issues.
