London, Updated 04:39 AM Dec 06, 2025 IST — The UK government has for the first time used its Domestic Counter-Terrorism Regime to disrupt financing linked to the pro-Khalistan militant organisation Babbar Khalsa, imposing sanctions on a British Sikh businessman and an associated group.
Gurpreet Singh Rehal, who is connected to the Panjab Warriors sports investment firm, has been subject to an asset freeze and has been disqualified from serving as a company director, the Treasury said. The measures follow assessments that he belonged to organisations involved in terrorism in India.
HM Treasury also announced an asset freeze on Babbar Akali Lehar, saying the group promoted and supported Babbar Khalsa.
Economic Secretary to the Treasury Lucy Rigby said the government would act to prevent the exploitation of Britain’s financial system by violent groups. She said the step demonstrated the use of all available tools to cut off terrorist funding and affirmed the UK’s support for peaceful communities targeted by those who promote violence and hatred.
The Treasury assessed that Rehal was involved in Babbar Khalsa and Babbar Akali Lehar’s activities, including promoting and encouraging the groups, recruiting for them, providing financial services and other support, and facilitating purchases of weapons and other military material. It also concluded that Babbar Akali Lehar is associated with Babbar Khalsa by promoting, encouraging and recruiting for the organisation.
The sanctions are intended to choke off financial channels used to support extremist activity and to prevent those designated from using UK-based assets or company roles to further such networks.
