British Sikh Businessman, Organization Sanctioned by UK Over Alleged Khalistan Terror Ties

UK Imposes Sanctions on British Businessman Gurpreet Singh Rehal, Babbar Akali Lehar Over Alleged Pro-Khalistan Terror Links.

The United Kingdom has imposed strict sanctions on British businessman Gurpreet Singh Rehal and the group Babbar Akali Lehar (BAL) for allegedly financing and promoting pro-Khalistan terror activities, including ties to the proscribed organisation Babbar Khalsa International (BKI).

This marks the first use of the UK’s Domestic Counter-Terrorism Regime against Rehal, who faces an immediate asset freeze for allegedly facilitating weapons purchases, running online propaganda networks, and providing financial services to designated terrorists such as Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

The move is expected to significantly support India’s efforts to dismantle UK-based terror financing networks and disrupt funding pipelines for “anti-India” separatist activity. Following the sanctions, Rehal’s former sports investment firm Panjab Warriors and Morecambe FC stated that he has been fully removed from all associations.

Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Lucy Rigby, said: “We will not stand by while terrorists exploit Britain’s financial system. 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.”

Rehal is alleged to have links with BKI operative Paramjit Singh Pamma and to have financially supported Pannun and the ‘Khalistan Referendum 2021’ campaign. The sanctions extend to organisations owned by Rehal, including Saving Punjab, Whitehawk Consultations Ltd, and Loha Designs, with restrictions on his role as director.

The UK Treasury said BAL is associated with BKI’s terror activities by promoting and encouraging the group. All funds and economic resources owned, held, or controlled by Rehal and BAL in the UK are now frozen, preventing any British entity from dealing with them.

Top intelligence sources said the sanctions are a major step in targeting the UK-based BKI-SFJ ecosystem, isolating key figures like Pannun and Pamma, and strengthening India’s case against pro-Khalistan terror financing networks.

Panjab Warriors and Morecambe FC issued a joint statement clarifying that Rehal held only a “consultancy role” and that his association has been fully removed. The organisations said they would strengthen governance and compliance standards in light of the sanctions.