The UK and US governments have imposed sanctions on a British-Kenyan businessman over his alleged involvement in the illicit gold trade. Kamlesh Pattni, and four others including his wife and brother-in-law, will have their assets frozen, a statement from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth and Development Office read.

The UK and US have sanctioned British-Kenyan businessman Kamlesh Pattni for his alleged role in the illicit gold trade and money laundering network.

The accused Kamlesh Pattni along with his wife and brother-in-law have been slapped with sanctions and their assets have been frozen, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth and Development Office said in a s

Mr Pattni allegedly used Suzan General Trading to claim incentives from the Zimbabwe government, under a programme intended to boost mineral exports.

“Today’s (Monday) sanctions will disrupt and deter the illicit gold trade by imposing asset freezes on five individuals, including infamous British-Kenyan gold smuggler Kamlesh Pattni and his enablers,” the UK said.

The United States and Britain on Monday announced a new wave of sanctions targeting what it said was the illicit gold trade, which the United Kingdom said was financing Russian President Vladimir Putin's war efforts in Ukraine and fuelling corruption.

The latest round of sanctions imposes asset freezes on five individuals involved in the illicit gold trade, including the CEO of Paloma Precious, which has purchased more than $300 million of Russian gold.

The United Kingdom has introduced new sanctions targeting illegal gold trading. This will reduce Russia's ability to finance its war against Ukraine, states the UK Foreign Office, according to Reuters.