Businessman Murtaza Lakhani has strongly denied allegations underpinning recent sanctions imposed on him by the European Union and the United Kingdom, describing the measures as “unfounded, unfair and politically motivated.”
In a statement released on Wednesday, a copy of which was received by the Sri Lanka Guardian, Lakhani said he does not own or control any so-called “shadow fleet” of vessels involved in the trade of Russian petroleum products in violation of international sanctions. He said he is pursuing all available legal avenues to challenge and appeal the sanctions designations.
“Mr. Lakhani has neither been subject to any regulatory intervention with respect to the sanctions which have been imposed by the EU and UK, nor has he been charged, prosecuted, or convicted of any offence relating to these matters,” the statement said.
According to Lakhani, the sanctions were imposed without verified evidence or due process and were based largely on unsubstantiated media reports. He alleged that what he described as “paid fake news” and politically motivated reporting had influenced the decisions of authorities.
The statement emphasized that Lakhani has longstanding investments in employment, energy security and economic growth across the EU and other jurisdictions, and that his business holdings are a matter of public record. He said he intends to make full disclosures of his interests as part of his legal response.
“If the authorities had questions or concerns, all they had to do was ask,” the statement said, adding that no such engagement took place prior to the sanctions being announced.
Lakhani also warned of the broader impact of the measures, particularly on employees and energy markets. He said hundreds of workers across the EU and globally would be affected during the holiday period as a result of what he described as a “politically driven witch hunt.”
He offered a personal apology to employees, business partners and service providers, and singled out Greece as facing the most significant consequences due to disruptions to energy supply.
“Mr. Lakhani further apologizes especially to the Greek people, who are feeling the greatest impact of these actions,” the statement said, adding that he is committed to pursuing remedies to address the situation.
The EU and UK have not yet publicly responded to Lakhani’s claims.
