UK imposes first domestic terror sanctions on Sikh businessman; cites alleged Babar Khalsa links - The Times of India

Contributing sentiments towards policy:

49% : HM Treasury assesses Babbar Akali Lehar to be an "involved person" under the regulations," said the UK government.
47% : The restrictions also apply to any organisations they own or control, unless permitted by an HM Treasury licence or other approved exemption."Rehal is also subject to director disqualification sanctions which prohibit him from acting as a director of a company or directly or indirectly taking part in or being concerned in the promotion, formation or management of a company," the Treasury said, as cited by PTI.The sanctions imposed on Rehal also cover entities linked to him, including his organisations Saving Punjab, Whitehawk Consultations Ltd, and the unincorporated group/association Loha Designs.This week's action follows close coordination between the Treasury and law enforcement agencies, highlighting what the UK government described as its commitment to safeguarding national security and protecting communities affected by terrorism.Under the Counter-Terrorism (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, HM Treasury has the authority to freeze assets and impose restrictions on individuals and entities suspected of involvement in terrorism, a measure intended to prevent terrorist financing and shield the UK's financial system from abuse.Breaching these sanctions can result in penalties of up to seven years' imprisonment on indictment, or civil fines of up to £1 million or 50 per cent of the breach value, whichever is higher.The Treasury said Babbar Khalsa, which also operates under the name Babbar Khalsa International, is a proscribed terrorist organisation, and its assessment classifies Babbar Akali Lehar as an "involved person" under the regulations."Babbar Khalsa (which also uses the name Babbar Khalsa International) is a proscribed terrorist organisation.

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