The UK government has imposed sanctions on 13 individuals and businesses associated with Wagner Group’s activities in Mali, Sudan, and the Central African Republic.
Wagner mercenaries have been involved in providing security services in various African nations.
One of the individuals sanctioned is Konstantin Aleksandrovitch Pikalov, often referred to as the “right-hand man” of Wagner’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin. Pikalov faces accusations of human rights abuses.
Furthermore, Wagner fighters have been accused by the US of engaging in illicit gold deals on the African continent to enrich themselves.
In the past, Wagner fighters played a significant role in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine until a recent attempted mutiny last month.
“The Wagner Group is committing atrocities in Ukraine, as well as acting with impunity in countries like Mali, Central African Republic and Sudan,” UK Development Minster Andrew Mitchell said.
“These sanctions expose despicable individuals who have commissioned violations of international humanitarian law, holding them to account for the severe harm they are inflicting on innocent civilians for financial gain.”