UK Sanctions Strike at Pro-Khalistan Financing: A Landmark Move

The UK government has imposed sanctions on Gurpreet Singh Rehal and his associated entities for allegedly funding pro-Khalistan group Babbar Khalsa. The action, under the Domestic Counter-Terrorism Regime, includes asset freezes and disqualifications to curb terrorism financing, resulting in Rehal's disassociation from his sports investment firm, Panjab Warriors.

The UK Treasury has announced sweeping sanctions against Gurpreet Singh Rehal, a British Sikh businessman, and related entities to disrupt financial links with the pro-Khalistan militant group Babbar Khalsa, marking the first application of the country's Domestic Counter-Terrorism Regime.

Rehal and the group Babbar Akali Lehar face an asset freeze and other penalties for purported involvement with Babbar Khalsa's activities in India, with financial and operational restrictions imposed to staunch terrorism funding. "We will not stand by while terrorists exploit Britain's financial system," asserted Lucy Rigby, Economic Secretary to the Treasury.

This unprecedented measure results from collaboration with UK policing agencies, aimed at safeguarding national security and peaceful communities. It also includes Rehal's disqualification from directorial roles, reinforcing the government's commitment to a stringent anti-terror finance stance.

(With inputs from agencies.)