The UK and US governments have imposed sanctions on British-Kenyan businessman Kamlesh Pattni, citing his alleged involvement in the illicit gold trade. Pattni, alongside four others—including his wife and brother-in-law—will have their assets frozen, according to a statement from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office.
Pattni, who was implicated in Kenya’s notorious Goldenberg scandal, which caused losses of at least $600 million, has faced longstanding allegations of illegal gold dealings, particularly in Zimbabwe. While he has previously denied these allegations, the latest sanctions underscore the severity of his alleged criminal activities.
The UK government stressed that illicit gold trade not only fuels corruption but also undermines the rule of law and contributes to human rights violations, such as child labor. Additionally, the UK statement highlighted the broader implications of such activities, linking the trade to Russia’s efforts to fund its war in Ukraine. The UK and other Western nations imposed a ban on Russian gold imports in 2022 as part of efforts to curb Moscow’s ability to finance its military operations.
In a statement, the UK government noted that these sanctions aim to “disrupt and deter” Pattni’s business activities, citing his involvement in the Goldenberg scandal of the 1990s—a gold and currency fraud scheme that nearly bankrupted Kenya. Although Pattni faced trial in 2006, the proceedings were dropped, and he later reinvented himself as a self-proclaimed pastor.
The US Treasury Department also highlighted Pattni’s ties to former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe. The Treasury claims Pattni exploited his relationship with Mugabe to profit from Zimbabwe’s natural resources, exacerbating the country’s resource exploitation while enriching corrupt officials and criminal networks.
Pattni was also implicated in Al-Jazeera’s investigation into Zimbabwe’s “gold mafia.” He has repeatedly denied any involvement in gold smuggling or money laundering, despite the evidence presented.
According to the US Treasury, Pattni’s illicit operations span multiple countries, highlighting the international reach of his network. This announcement coincides with the UK government’s introduction of a new program aimed at combating global corruption.
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