Pro-Khalistan links: UK imposes sanctions on British Sikh businessman over Babbar Khalsa ties

UK sanctions target pro-Khalistan funding (Source: X/@EssexPoliceUK)

The UK government has imposed sanctions on British Sikh businessman Gurpreet Singh Rehal and a group linked to him, marking the first use of the country’s Domestic Counter-Terrorism Regime to disrupt funding for the pro-Khalistan militant group Babbar Khalsa.

Rehal, associated with the Panjab Warriors sports investment firm, faces an asset freeze and director disqualification amid suspicions of involvement in terrorist organisations in India, the Treasury said on Thursday.

An asset freeze was also imposed on Babbar Akali Lehar, for promoting and supporting the same group.

"We will not stand by while terrorists exploit Britain's financial system," said Lucy Rigby, Economic Secretary to the Treasury.

"This landmark action shows we are prepared to use every tool at our disposal to choke off funding for terrorism – wherever it occurs and whoever is responsible. The UK stands firmly with peaceful communities against those who promote violence and hatred," she added.

HM Treasury assessed that Rehal is involved in Babbar Khalsa and Babbar Akali Lehar’s terrorist activities, including recruitment, provision of financial services, and support in acquiring weapons and military materials.

"HM Treasury also assesses that Babbar Akali Lehar is associated with, and involved in, Babbar Khalsa's terrorist activities by promoting and encouraging and carrying out recruitment activities for the group and itself,” the department said.

The sanctions freeze all UK-based funds and economic resources owned, held or controlled by Rehal or Babbar Akali Lehar, barring UK persons or entities from dealing with them without a licence. Rehal is also barred from acting as a company director or being involved in company management.

The Treasury highlighted that this action follows close collaboration with policing partners to protect national security and communities affected by terrorism.

Under the Counter-Terrorism (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, violations carry penalties of up to seven years’ imprisonment or civil fines of up to £1 million, or 50% of the breach value. Babbar Khalsa, also known as Babbar Khalsa International, is a proscribed terrorist organisation; Babbar Akali Lehar is classified as an “involved person” under the regulations.

The sanctions extend to Rehal-owned organisations, including Saving Punjab, Whitehawk Consultations Ltd, and Loha Designs. Panjab Warriors, which purchased Morecambe Football Club in June, issued a statement clarifying that Rehal only held a “consultancy role” and is no longer affiliated with either organisation.

"Following recent serious concerns that have come to light, we took immediate and decisive action, and his association with both organisations has been fully removed," the joint statement read.

"Both organisations operate under strict governance and compliance standards, and we have used this moment to further strengthen our internal processes, including enhanced due diligence checks for key personnel. We will continue to work closely with the relevant authorities and in full alignment with all regulatory requirements," it added.

(With PTI inputs)