A British humanitarian volunteer making regular aid trips to Ukraine has had all his UK bank accounts unexpectedly closed by Santander, despite fully complying with extensive security checks.
The Sudden Account Closure
Paul Tovey, who delivers essential aid and four-wheel drive vehicles to war-torn Ukraine through the Wheels of Victory charitable foundation, received three letters from Santander at the end of October 2025 stating that his current account, credit card and joint account with his wife would all be closed on December 29.
The Kent-based volunteer told Metro that the Spanish banking giant provided no explanation for the decision, despite his cooperation with multiple rounds of intrusive personal data requests, including providing property deeds and demonstrating that his transactions were for ordinary expenses like "lattes and hotel bills."
Complying Then Cancelled
Mr Tovey revealed that Santander's 'Know Your Customer' department had contacted him several months earlier about transactions made in Ukraine. He diligently provided all requested information, including evidence from UK government websites showing that Ukraine is not a sanctioned country.
"When Santander first contacted me they said Ukraine is sanctioned, and I had to send them information from the UK government website showing it is not one of the sanctioned countries," he explained. "They then said Russia is sanctioned and I told them that Russia is not Ukraine."
Despite this cooperation and his excellent credit rating with Experian, the bank proceeded with account closures, telling him only that "at this moment in time they can't offer me banking services."
Broader Banking Crackdown
This case appears to be part of a wider pattern of UK banks restricting transactions with Ukraine, despite the British government being one of Kyiv's strongest supporters, having committed £21.8 billion to Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
The British-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce has previously warned that Western banks were closing members' accounts due to concerns over Russian sanctions and money laundering, sometimes after just a single transaction.
Other British nationals supporting Ukraine have faced similar treatment, including war veteran Shaun Pinner, who was freed after being captured and tortured by Vladimir Putin's forces.
Mr Tovey's humanitarian work focuses primarily on the western Ukrainian city of Ternopil, near Lviv, far from Russian-occupied territories. He travels to the war zone every two to three months, supporting:
- Medical rehabilitation programmes
- Displaced mothers and babies
- Animal shelters
- Delivering vehicles for Kyiv's armed forces
Santander maintains that accounts can be closed for various reasons, including receiving charitable donations without being a registered charity or making transactions in prohibited regions. A spokesperson stated: "We only exit customers in accordance with our terms and conditions and in line with our legal and regulatory obligations."
Despite the financial upheaval, Mr Tovey remains committed to his humanitarian mission in Ukraine, stating: "What has happened to the Ukrainians is just so unfair. They are peaceful people who want to live a peaceful life, just like anyone else."
