Britain sanctions Sikh bizman, militant group over Khalistan terror funding in India

The UK government has announced sanctions against a British Sikh businessman and a group associated with him in the first use of the country's ‘Domestic Counter-Terrorism Regime’ to disrupt funding for the pro-Khalistan militant group Babbar Khalsa.

Gurpreet Singh Rehal, linked with the Panjab Warriors sports investment firm, faced an asset freeze and director disqualification as he was suspected of belonging to organisations involved in terrorism in India, the UK's Treasury department said on Thursday. Alongside, it also announced an asset freeze against “Babbar Akali Lehar” for promoting and supporting the same terrorist 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 said.

His Majesty's (HM) Treasury said it assesses Rehal to be involved in Babbar Khalsa and Babbar Akali Lehar's terrorist activities, including promoting and encouraging, carrying out recruitment activities for, providing financial services to, as well as supporting and assisting those organisations, including through purchasing weapons and other military material.

"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 states.