The United States and the United Kingdom have imposed sanctions on British-Kenyan businessman Kamlesh Pattni, citing his alleged involvement in illicit gold trade and the notorious Goldenberg scandal in Kenya. The scandal, which dates back to the 1990s, is estimated to have cost Kenya a staggering $600 million, equivalent to over 10% of the country's annual GDP.

According to the UK Foreign and Commonwealth and Development Office, the sanctions target five individuals, including Pattni, aimed at disrupting and deterring the illicit gold trade. The move comes as part of a broader effort to combat corruption and money laundering in the region.

Pattni has denied any involvement in money laundering or gold smuggling, but the US Treasury alleges that his ties with former Zimbabwean President Mugabe allowed him to profit from exploiting the country's mineral resources. The Treasury statement accused Pattni of being part of a "fraudulent scheme" that "robbed Zimbabwe's citizens of the benefit of those natural resources while enriching corrupt government officials and criminal actors."

The Goldenberg scandal, one of Kenya's most infamous corruption cases, revolves around Goldenberg International, a company that received around 5.8 billion Kenyan shillings ($80 million) in export compensation during former President Daniel arap Moi's administration. Pattni was one of the company's directors and was charged with fraud and felony offences in connection with the matter.

The sanctions imposed on Pattni are likely to have significant implications for the gold trade in the region. The move is seen as a major blow to those involved in illicit gold trade and is expected to disrupt the flow of illegal gold into the international market.

Kenya has been taking steps to restrict the export of raw gold and other minerals, and this move is seen as a major step forward in the country's efforts to combat corruption and money laundering. The sanctions also highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability in the gold trade, particularly in regions where corruption is rampant.

The development is a significant one for the tech industry, which has been increasingly focused on using technology to combat corruption and promote transparency. The use of digital platforms and blockchain technology, in particular, has been seen as a key tool in tracking and tracing the origin of gold and other minerals.

In conclusion, the sanctions imposed on Kamlesh Pattni are a major development in the fight against corruption and money laundering in the region. The move is likely to have significant implications for the gold trade and highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the industry. As the tech industry continues to evolve, it is likely that digital platforms and blockchain technology will play an increasingly important role in combating corruption and promoting transparency.