The UK government has imposed sanctions on Gurpreet Singh Rehal, a British Sikh businessman, and his group, Babbar Akali Lehar, citing alleged links to the banned militant organization Babbar Khalsa. This action marks the first use of the UK’s Domestic Counter‑Terrorism Regime to target individuals and groups associated with pro‑Khalistan activities.
Under the sanctions, all assets and financial resources in the UK held by Rehal or Babbar Akali Lehar are frozen. Rehal is also prohibited from serving as a company director or being involved in forming or managing any businesses in the country. The UK Treasury described the move as a “landmark action” aimed at preventing Britain’s financial system from being exploited by extremist groups.
According to the authorities, Rehal and his group are suspected of providing financial support, recruitment assistance, and equipment to Babbar Khalsa militants. The Treasury emphasized that the action sends a strong signal that the UK will not tolerate the funding of terrorism through legitimate financial and corporate channels.
Rehal has business ties with the London-based sports investment firm Panjab Warriors, which owns the English football club Morecambe FC. Following the sanctions, the firm clarified that Rehal only held a non-strategic consultancy role and has now been removed from any involvement with the company.
This step demonstrates the UK’s determination to crack down on terrorism financing and to hold accountable individuals and organizations linked to extremist movements. Experts say it also highlights growing scrutiny of overseas financial networks that could be used to support militant groups, reinforcing the government’s commitment to national security.
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