WASHINGTON DC, US – The U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned 28 individuals and businesses on Monday for their involvement in a sprawling gold smuggling and money laundering network orchestrated by Zimbabwe-based tycoon Kamlesh Pattni.
The sanctions were announced in coordination with the FBI and the United Kingdom, marking International Anti-Corruption Day.
Pattni, a controversial figure linked to corruption scandals in Africa for decades, is accused of exploiting Zimbabwe’s natural resources, enriching government officials, and laundering profits through a complex international network.
According to the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), Pattni’s scheme robbed Zimbabweans of wealth that could have funded infrastructure, education, and economic development.
“Across the globe, when corrupt actors like Pattni exploit weak governance for personal gain, communities suffer,” said Bradley T. Smith, Acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. “Corruption respects no borders, and its consequences are felt worldwide.”
Pattni first gained notoriety during Kenya’s infamous Goldenberg scandal in the 1990s, where he was accused of siphoning millions through fraudulent gold exports.
After fleeing Kenya, Pattni shifted operations to Zimbabwe, befriending former President Robert Mugabe and establishing schemes that mirror his earlier misconduct.
OFAC’s findings detail how Pattni and his associates manipulated export incentives, bribed officials, and used a global web of companies to hide profits.
The network spans countries including the United Arab Emirates, Kenya, Singapore, and the British Virgin Islands.
Among the designated entities is Sun Multinational DMCC, a central player in Pattni’s operations run by trusted allies and relatives, including his brother-in-law Mukesh Vaya and nephew Mishaal Pattni.
The sanctions were part of a joint effort with the United Kingdom, which imposed similar measures on Pattni and his associates.
The move highlights increasing global collaboration in tackling corruption under the U.S. Strategy on Countering Corruption, launched in 2021.
The FBI emphasized the broad impact of Pattni’s illicit activities, which undermine economic stability and public trust.
“These sanctions show we will not allow borders to shield corrupt actors or the stolen wealth they attempt to hide,” said the agency.
The Treasury’s announcement caps a year of aggressive anti-corruption measures.
In 2024, OFAC sanctioned over 100 individuals and entities across multiple countries, leveraging tools like Executive Order 13818, which targets human rights abuses and corruption.
Domestically, the Treasury has also implemented reforms to crack down on anonymous shell companies and strengthen anti-money laundering measures, including new rules targeting real estate and investment sectors often exploited by corrupt actors.
The sanctions freeze all U.S.-linked assets of the designated individuals and businesses, barring them from accessing the U.S. financial system.
OFAC also warned that foreign financial institutions knowingly facilitating transactions for those designated could face penalties.
Officials framed Monday’s announcement as a signal to global actors engaged in corruption.
“The goal is accountability and change—not punishment,” OFAC stated.
The sanctions were announced in coordination with the FBI and the United Kingdom, marking International Anti-Corruption Day.
Pattni, a controversial figure linked to corruption scandals in Africa for decades, is accused of exploiting Zimbabwe’s natural resources, enriching government officials, and laundering profits through a complex international network.
According to the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), Pattni’s scheme robbed Zimbabweans of wealth that could have funded infrastructure, education, and economic development.
“Across the globe, when corrupt actors like Pattni exploit weak governance for personal gain, communities suffer,” said Bradley T. Smith, Acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. “Corruption respects no borders, and its consequences are felt worldwide.”
Pattni first gained notoriety during Kenya’s infamous Goldenberg scandal in the 1990s, where he was accused of siphoning millions through fraudulent gold exports.
After fleeing Kenya, Pattni shifted operations to Zimbabwe, befriending former President Robert Mugabe and establishing schemes that mirror his earlier misconduct.
OFAC’s findings detail how Pattni and his associates manipulated export incentives, bribed officials, and used a global web of companies to hide profits.
The network spans countries including the United Arab Emirates, Kenya, Singapore, and the British Virgin Islands.
Among the designated entities is Sun Multinational DMCC, a central player in Pattni’s operations run by trusted allies and relatives, including his brother-in-law Mukesh Vaya and nephew Mishaal Pattni.
The sanctions were part of a joint effort with the United Kingdom, which imposed similar measures on Pattni and his associates.
The move highlights increasing global collaboration in tackling corruption under the U.S. Strategy on Countering Corruption, launched in 2021.
The FBI emphasized the broad impact of Pattni’s illicit activities, which undermine economic stability and public trust.
“These sanctions show we will not allow borders to shield corrupt actors or the stolen wealth they attempt to hide,” said the agency.
The Treasury’s announcement caps a year of aggressive anti-corruption measures.
In 2024, OFAC sanctioned over 100 individuals and entities across multiple countries, leveraging tools like Executive Order 13818, which targets human rights abuses and corruption.
Domestically, the Treasury has also implemented reforms to crack down on anonymous shell companies and strengthen anti-money laundering measures, including new rules targeting real estate and investment sectors often exploited by corrupt actors.
The sanctions freeze all U.S.-linked assets of the designated individuals and businesses, barring them from accessing the U.S. financial system.
OFAC also warned that foreign financial institutions knowingly facilitating transactions for those designated could face penalties.
Officials framed Monday’s announcement as a signal to global actors engaged in corruption.
“The goal is accountability and change—not punishment,” OFAC stated.
