UK imposes first domestic terror sanctions on Sikh businessman; cites alleged Babar Khalsa links

The UK government has imposed sanctions on a British Sikh businessman and a group linked to him in the first use of its new Domestic Counter-Terrorism Regime aimed at cutting off funding to the pro-Khalistan militant outfit Babbar Khalsa.Gurpreet Singh Rehal, associated with the Panjab Warriors sports investment firm, has been hit with an asset freeze and a director disqualification after being suspected of ties to organisations involved in terrorism in India, the UK Treasury said on Thursday.The Treasury said it believes Rehal is involved in the activities of Babbar Khalsa and Babbar Akali Lehar, including promoting and encouraging the groups, recruiting for them, providing financial services, and supporting their operations, which allegedly include purchasing weapons and other military equipment.“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,” Lucy Rigby, UK’s economic secretary, as cited by PTI. “We will not stand by while terrorists exploit Britain’s financial system,” she added. The sanctions prohibit all UK individuals and entities from handling any funds or assets linked to Rehal or Babbar Akali Lehar, and from providing them with financial services or support. The restrictions also apply to any organisations they own or control, unless permitted by an HM Treasury licence or other approved exemption.“Rehal is also subject to director disqualification sanctions which prohibit him from acting as a director of a company or directly or indirectly taking part in or being concerned in the promotion, formation or management of a company,” the Treasury said, as cited by PTI.The sanctions imposed on Rehal also cover entities linked to him, including his organisations Saving Punjab, Whitehawk Consultations Ltd, and the unincorporated group/association Loha Designs.This week’s action follows close coordination between the Treasury and law enforcement agencies, highlighting what the UK government described as its commitment to safeguarding national security and protecting communities affected by terrorism.Under the Counter-Terrorism (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, HM Treasury has the authority to freeze assets and impose restrictions on individuals and entities suspected of involvement in terrorism, a measure intended to prevent terrorist financing and shield the UK’s financial system from abuse.Breaching these sanctions can result in penalties of up to seven years’ imprisonment on indictment, or civil fines of up to £1 million or 50 per cent of the breach value, whichever is higher.The Treasury said Babbar Khalsa, which also operates under the name Babbar Khalsa International, is a proscribed terrorist organisation, and its assessment classifies Babbar Akali Lehar as an “involved person” under the regulations.“Babbar Khalsa (which also uses the name Babbar Khalsa International) is a proscribed terrorist organisation. HM Treasury assesses Babbar Akali Lehar to be an “involved person” under the regulations,” said the UK government.