US, UK Sanction Leaders of Zimbabwe Business Network for Corruption

The U.S. sanctioned 28 people and businesses connected to a global gold smuggling and money laundering network based in Zimbabwe, including Kamlesh Mansukhlal Damji Pattni, who leads the network and has bribed government officials, the Office of Foreign Assets Control said. OFAC said the sanctions mark International Anti-Corruption Day and were coordinated with the U.K. and the FBI.

OFAC sanctioned several companies owned by Pattni and his relatives, including businesses in the British Virgin Islands, the United Arab Emirates and Kenya. The agency also designated Pattni’s business associates and their companies, including four based in Kyrgyzstan.

The U.K.’s Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation also sanctioned Pattni along with his wife, Minal Kamlesh Mansukhall Damji Pattni. Both the U.K. and OFAC sanctioned Mukesh Mansukhlal Vaya, Pattni’s brother-in-law.