US, UK Sanction Gold Smuggling Network in Zimbabwe

The U.S. and U.K. have imposed sanctions on Kamlesh Pattni and 27 others for their involvement in a global gold smuggling and money laundering network based in Zimbabwe, coinciding with International Anti-Corruption Day. Pattni, a notorious figure linked to the Goldenberg scandal in Kenya, allegedly exploited governmental loopholes and bribed officials while profiting from the illegal exportation of natural resources. The sanctions target not only Pattni but also his family members and numerous businesses across multiple countries, including the UAE and Kyrgyzstan. The U.K. accentuated that illicit gold trade is not only a criminal issue but also a means of funding the Russian government amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Treasury officials emphasized that such corruption erodes public trust and economic stability, highlighting a commitment to global cooperation in countering illicit financial operations. This coordinated action signals a broader crackdown on corruption that affects communities worldwide.