By : Lloyd Mahachi
The UK government has imposed sanctions on Kamlesh Pattni, a British-Kenyan businessman, for his alleged involvement in the illicit gold trade. This move aims to disrupt and deter Pattni’s business dealings.
Pattni’s assets, along with those of four others including his wife and brother-in-law, will be frozen. This decision is part of a broader effort to tackle global corruption and illicit trade practices.
Pattni has a history of corruption, most notably his involvement in the Goldenberg scandal of the 1990s. This scandal almost bankrupted Kenya and involved a major gold and currency fraud.
The Goldenberg scandal implicated senior members of Kenya’s government. Pattni’s alleged involvement in this scandal has had long-lasting consequences for Kenya’s economy and people.
In addition to his involvement in the Goldenberg scandal, Pattni has also been linked to the exploitation of Zimbabwe’s natural resources. He allegedly used his friendship with former Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe to further his business interests.
The UK government has emphasized that illicit gold is not just a trade issue, but also fuels corruption, undermines the rule of law, and exacerbates human rights abuses such as child labor.
Russia has also been implicated in the illicit gold trade, using it to fund its war in Ukraine. The UK has banned the import of Russian gold to stop Moscow’s ability to fund the war.
The sanctions imposed on Pattni are part of a broader effort to tackle global corruption. The UK government has outlined a new program to help combat corruption, and Pattni’s case serves as an example of the need for international cooperation to address these issues.
Editor : Josephine Mahachi
