The UK government has imposed sanctions on Kamlesh Pattni, a British-Kenyan businessman linked to the illicit gold trade and involved in Kenya’s notorious Goldenberg scandal. The sanctions will freeze Pattni’s assets and those of four associates accused of smuggling gold, which undermines legitimate trade and fosters corruption. The UK further highlighted the illegal gold trade’s role in financing Russia’s war in Ukraine. Pattni’s past includes allegations of corrupt practices in Zimbabwe and connections to powerful political figures, although he denies current allegations.