US and UK Sanction Gold Smuggling Network

Kamlesh Pattni, a British-Kenyan businessman, has been sanctioned by both the United States and the United Kingdom for his role in a global gold smuggling and money laundering network that allegedly supports Russian military efforts in Ukraine. The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Pattni and 27 others, accusing them of exploiting Zimbabwe's natural resources through bribery and fraudulent practices, while the UK froze the assets of Pattni and his family members. These actions coincide with International Anti-Corruption Day, reinforcing the commitment of both nations to combat corruption and illicit financial activities. The UK government plans to implement a comprehensive anti-corruption strategy by 2025 to further address these issues. Officials emphasize that the illicit gold trade not only fuels corruption but also perpetuates human rights abuses, including child labor. This coordinated crackdown reflects a broader effort to disrupt financial networks that undermine global security and facilitate organized crime.