Overview
- HM Treasury imposed an asset freeze on Gurpreet Singh Rehal and Babbar Akali Lehar and disqualified Rehal from serving as a company director under the Counter‑Terrorism (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.
- Officials assess Rehal to have promoted and recruited for Babbar Khalsa and Babbar Akali Lehar, provided financial services, and helped procure weapons and other materiel.
- From December 4, it is illegal for UK persons or entities to deal with the sanctioned funds or provide financial services without a Treasury licence, with criminal and civil penalties for breaches.
- The designations extend to organisations linked to Rehal, including Saving Punjab CIC, Whitehawk Consultations Ltd, and Loha Designs.
- Morecambe FC and owner Panjab Warriors say Rehal only held a consultancy role and has been removed, while the Independent Football Regulator is urgently assessing the club and bringing forward a new owners’ and directors’ test to next Friday, with prospective tests starting in May.