UK sanctions British Sikh businessman and group over alleged pro-Khalan financing | World News

The UK government has imposed sanctions on a British Sikh businessman and a linked group in its first use of the country’s Domestic Counter-Terrorism Regime to block suspected funding for the pro-Khalan militant group Babbar Khalsa.HM Treasury said Gurpreet Singh Rehal, who has connections to the Panjab Warriors sports investment firm, now faces an asset freeze and a ban on serving as a company director. The department said it suspects him of involvement with organisations linked to terrorism in India.

The Treasury also announced an asset freeze on Babbar Akali Lehar, which it said promotes and supports Babbar Khalsa.

“We will not stand while terrors exploit Britain’s financial system,” said Lucy Rig, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, according to PTI. She said the action shows the government will use “every tool” available to block terrorism financing. “The UK stands with peaceful communities against those who promote violence and hatred,” she said.

HM Treasury said it assesses Rehal to be involved in the activities of Babbar Khalsa and Babbar Akali Lehar, including promoting and encouraging the group, recruiting for it, providing financial services, and helping with the purchase of weapons and other material. It said Babbar Akali Lehar is linked with Babbar Khalsa promoting, encouraging and carrying out recruitment for the group.Story continues below this ad

Under the measures announced this week, all funds and economic resources in the UK owned or controlled Rehal or Babbar Akali Lehar are frozen. No UK person or company can deal with those funds or make financial services available to them without a licence from HM Treasury.

Rehal is also barred from acting as a company director or taking part in the management or formation of a company, the Treasury said.

The government said the action followed cooperation between HM Treasury and policing partners and forms part of efforts to protect national security and affected communities.

The sanctions were made under the Counter-Terrorism (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, which allow asset freezes and restrictions on individuals or entities suspected of involvement in terrorism. Breaching sanctions can lead to up to seven years in prison or civil penalties of up to £1 million or 50 per cent of the breach value.Story continues below this ad

Babbar Khalsa, also known as Babbar Khalsa Internationa,l is a proscribed terror organisation in the UK. The Treasury said it considers Babbar Akali Lehar an “involved person” under the regulations.

The sanctions on Rehal cover organisations linked to him, including Saving Punjab, Whitehawk Consultations Ltd and Loha Designs.

Panjab Warriors, a London-based sports investment firm, bought Morecambe Football Club in June. At the time, Rehal said the purchase was “a commitment to the fans, the town, and the future of Morecambe FC,” according to PTI.

After the sanctions were announced, Morecambe FC and Panjab Warriors released a joint statement saying Rehal only held a “consultancy role” and is no longer connected to either organisation. “Following recent serious concerns that have come to light, we took immediate action, and his association with both organisations has been fully removed,” they said.Story continues below this ad

The statement said both organisations operate under strict compliance rules and have strengthened their internal checks, adding they will continue to work with the authorities and follow all regulatory requirements.