Kamlesh Mansukhlal Damji Pattni (born 1965), also known as “Brother Paul,” is a Kenyan-born businessman, pastor, and convicted international fraudster. He is infamous as the mastermind behind the Goldenberg Scandal, which nearly bankrupted Kenya in the 1990s. As of January 11, 2026, he is an international fugitive under heavy sanctions by both the United States and the United Kingdom for his role in a massive gold-smuggling and money-laundering network in Southern Africa.
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Key Biographical Information
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Kamlesh Mansukhlal Damji Pattni |
| Born | 1965, Mombasa, Kenya |
| Alias | Paul Pattni / Brother Paul |
| Key Scandal | Goldenberg International (Kenya, 1990s) |
| Current Status | Sanctioned by US (Treasury) and UK (Anti-Corruption). |
| Base of Operations | Dubai, UAE (managing global front companies). |
2025–2026: Global Sanctions and the “Gold Mafia”
Following the 2023 Al Jazeera investigation titled “Gold Mafia,” Pattni’s activities have finally triggered a coordinated global law enforcement response.
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US & UK Sanctions (Dec 9, 2024 – Jan 2026): In a historic move just over a year ago, the US Department of the Treasury and the UK Government jointly imposed sweeping sanctions on Pattni, his wife (Minal Pattni), and his brother-in-law (Mukesh Vaya). As of January 2026, his assets in the US, UK, and several partner territories remain frozen. The US Treasury statement accused his network of “robbing Zimbabwe’s citizens of their natural resources while enriching corrupt officials.”
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Zimbabwe Connection: Pattni is accused of bribing high-ranking officials in Zimbabwe to facilitate “export incentive fraud.” He allegedly smuggled gold and diamonds out of Zimbabwe to Dubai, overreported the returned cash to claim government bonuses, and used a web of shell companies to launder the proceeds.
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Current Whereabouts (January 2026): Pattni is believed to be residing in Dubai, which he famously described to undercover reporters as “the center for Africa” because of its ease for high-value transactions. While under sanctions, he remains active through his company Sun Multinational DMCC and various frontmen.
The Goldenberg Scandal (1990s)
Pattni’s original “claim to fame” remains the most devastating financial crime in Kenyan history:
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The Scheme: Through his company Goldenberg International, Pattni convinced the Daniel arap Moi government to pay him a 35% “export compensation” for gold and diamonds. However, Kenya produced neither in significant quantities; Pattni allegedly smuggled gold from the DRC or simply invented the exports on paper.
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The Impact: The scandal cost Kenya over $600 million (roughly 10% of the national GDP at the time), leading to hyperinflation and a decade-long economic depression.
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The “Brother Paul” Rebranding: After a 13-year court battle in Kenya, Pattni was controversially acquitted in 2013 by Justice Joseph Mutava (who was later dismissed for misconduct). During this time, Pattni converted to Christianity, changed his name to Paul, and founded a church to rebrand his public image.
2026 Legal Status in Kenya
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“State Capture” Prototype: In early 2026, Kenyan civil society groups often refer to Pattni as the “architect of state capture.” While he holds no official position in Kenya today, the Goldenberg model is taught in law schools as the prototype for every major corruption scandal that followed, including Anglo-Leasing and Arror-Kimwarer.
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Recovery of Assets: Anti-corruption activists in Nairobi are currently using the recent US/UK sanctions as leverage to petition the Kenyan government to reopen investigations into Pattni’s local properties, which were once valued at billions of shillings.