London, Updated At : 04:39 AM Dec 06, 2025 IST
The UK government has imposed sanctions on a British Sikh businessman and an associated group, using its Domestic Counter-Terrorism Regime for the first time to disrupt funding linked to the pro-Khalistan militant organisation Babbar Khalsa.
Gurpreet Singh Rehal, associated with the Panjab Warriors sports investment firm, has been hit with an asset freeze and disqualification from serving as a company director after being suspected of belonging to organisations involved in terrorism in India, the Treasury said. The government also announced an asset freeze on “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.”
HM Treasury assessed that Rehal was involved in Babbar Khalsa and Babbar Akali Lehar’s terrorist activities, including promoting and encouraging, recruiting for, providing financial services to, and supporting those organisations, including through purchasing weapons and other military material. It also assessed that Babbar Akali Lehar is associated with, and involved in, Babbar Khalsa’s activities by promoting, encouraging, and recruiting for the group.
