In response to their affiliations with Russia’s Wagner Group, Britain sanctioned 13 individuals and businesses in the Central African Republic, Mali, and Sudan, which notably included the “right hand man” of the group’s founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin.
The British government has included Wagner officials in its sanctions list, alleging them of involvement in executions and torture in Mali and the Central African Republic, as well as posing threats to peace and security in Sudan.
The imposition of sanctions comes shortly after Prigozhin’s unsuccessful mutiny in Russia, which has sparked uncertainties surrounding the future of Wagner’s military and commercial activities in various countries, including the Central African Republic.
The British government stated that Konstantin Pikalyov, who has recently been sanctioned, holds significant roles as both a crucial advisor to Prigozhin and the operational leader of Wagner in the Central African Republic. As a consequence of the sanctions, Pikalyov will encounter asset freezes in the UK and will be subject to a travel ban.
The list of sanctioned individuals includes Vitaly Perfilov in the Central African Republic and Alexander Maloletko, whom the British government described as a close associate of Prigozhin. Additionally, Ivan Maslov, who serves as the head of the Wagner Group in Mali, was also among those subjected to sanctions.
In Sudan, Britain also included Mikhail Potepkin in the list of sanctioned individuals. According to the British government, Potepkin is linked to the Wagner Group and holds a position as a director in the mining company Meroe Gold. As a result of the sanctions, he will face restrictive measures imposed by the UK.
The British government revealed that Meroe Gold was one of three businesses sanctioned in Sudan for allegedly operating as fronts for the Wagner Group and posing threats to peace and security. It was asserted that Meroe Gold had engaged in importing various equipment, including weapons, helicopters, and military trucks. As a consequence of these actions, the company will now face the restrictive measures imposed by the UK government.