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UK sanctions British Sikh businessman over Khalistan links
Move marks the first use of Britain’s domestic counter-terrorism sanctions in a Khalistan-linked case.
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Malvika Choudhary - Fri, 05, Dec 2025
- 15:15 EST
- 19
UK Treasury / Wikipedia
The United Kingdom sanctioned a British Sikh businessman and an organization accused of supporting pro-Khalistan terrorism in India, imposing asset freezes under its counter-terrorism laws.
The UK Treasury announced an asset freeze and director-disqualification order against Gurpreet Singh Rehal, who officials allege has supported the operations of Babbar Khalsa, a terrorist group responsible for multiple attacks in India.
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A separate asset freeze was imposed on Babbar Akali Lehar, which UK authorities say has engaged in recruitment and fundraising activities linked to the same network.
According to the Treasury, Rehal is suspected of promoting and encouraging Babbar Khalsa, assisting with recruitment, providing financial services, and facilitating the procurement of weapons and other military materials.
Officials say he has also supported both Babbar Khalsa and Babbar Akali Lehar through financial channels intended to sustain their activities.
The sanctions freeze all funds and economic resources in the UK owned, held, or controlled by Rehal or Babbar Akali Lehar. UK individuals and businesses are prohibited from dealing with these assets or making funds, economic resources, or financial services available to them.
Rehal is further barred from serving as a company director or participating in the management or formation of any company.
The restrictions also extend to entities linked to Rehal, including Saving Punjab CIC, Whitehawk Consultations Ltd, and an unincorporated group called Loha Designs.
Babbar Akali Lehar has been designated an “involved person” under the UK’s Counter-Terrorism (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, which the Treasury said the group violated by promoting Babbar Khalsa and conducting recruitment activities on its behalf.
Lucy Rigby MP, the UK’s Economic Secretary to the Treasury, said the government would not allow British financial systems to be used to support terrorism.
“This action shows we are prepared to use every tool available to choke off funding for terrorism—wherever it occurs and whoever is responsible,” she said.
Violating the sanctions carries criminal penalties of up to seven years in prison or civil fines of up to $1.27 million (approximately £1 million), or 50 percent of the value of the breach, whichever is greater.
Officials said the move followed close coordination with UK law enforcement agencies and is intended to protect national security while signaling support for communities affected by Khalistan-linked extremist activity in India.
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