The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on British-Kenyan businessman Kamlesh Pattni and four others, including his wife and brother-in-law, in connection with their alleged involvement in the illicit gold trade.
In a statement released by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), the government confirmed that Pattni’s assets, along with those of his associates, would be frozen as part of efforts to combat illicit financial flows.
“Today’s sanctions are aimed at disrupting and deterring the illicit gold trade by freezing the assets of five individuals, including notorious British-Kenyan gold smuggler Kamlesh Pattni and his accomplices. Pattni smuggled illicit gold out of southern Africa to facilitate money laundering and was involved in the Goldenberg corruption scandal in the 1990s,” the statement read.
Pattni, a controversial figure in Kenya’s financial history, was at the centre of the Goldenberg Scandal, one of the country’s largest corruption cases, which led to a loss of at least $600 million (£470 million) in the 1990s.
He has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
In recent years, Pattni has faced allegations of participating in the illegal gold trade in Zimbabwe, with the proceeds reportedly laundered through international networks.
These sanctions are part of the UK government’s broader efforts to intensify its global fight against corruption. The UK plans to introduce a comprehensive anti-corruption strategy in 2025, drawing on expertise from law enforcement, the private sector, civil society, and academia to create a unified response.
“This strategy will ensure that the anti-corruption agenda remains a key focus of the UK’s diplomatic efforts worldwide,” the FCDO added.

The sanctions follow Operation Destabilise, a significant investigation by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) last week, which disrupted Russian money laundering networks funding serious organized crime, highlighting the global security risks linked to illicit financial activities.
Pattni’s designation falls under the UK’s Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions Regulations 2021, targeting individuals involved in corruption worldwide.
The sanctions aim to freeze assets and disrupt the financial networks enabling corruption and money laundering.
The UK government emphasized that tackling the illicit gold trade remains a priority due to its ties to organized crime and global instability.