For years, the Gupta family has been at the center of South Africa’s biggest corruption scandal. Now, the walls are closing in even further—not just in Johannesburg, but thousands of miles away in India. This week, Indian authorities carried out fresh raids on Gupta-owned properties, turning up the heat on a family long accused of state capture and large-scale money laundering.
Raids Spread Across Indian Cities
At the request of South African authorities, India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched operations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Properties in New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and even the family’s ancestral home in Saharanpur were searched.
The raid in Saharanpur alone lasted five hours, with officials seizing documents and digital evidence allegedly tied to shell entities and offshore accounts.
Gupta Businesses Under Scrutiny
Investigators believe the Guptas have been using Dubai-based shell companies to funnel illicit funds across borders.
The crackdown in India follows the recent seizure and auction of Gupta assets in Johannesburg’s Saxonwold neighborhood, which brought in over R34 million.
These actions add up to mounting financial and legal pressure that the once-powerful family can no longer ignore.
From Political Allies to Global Fugitives
The Guptas were once among South Africa’s most influential families, wielding political power through their close relationship with former president Jacob Zuma in the 2000s. But those ties have now turned into liabilities.
With international agencies stepping in, the Guptas are no longer shielded by political connections and face growing scrutiny from every angle.
A Failed Extradition and Ongoing Pursuit
In 2022, brothers Atul and Rajesh Gupta were arrested in the United Arab Emirates on an Interpol red notice.
But in a twist that shocked many, their extradition to South Africa was rejected by the UAE on what was described as “technical grounds.”
Despite this setback, India’s current raids suggest the pursuit is far from over.
What Justice Could Mean for South Africa
For President Cyril Ramaphosa and South Africa as a whole, holding the Guptas accountable would represent a landmark victory against corruption.
Each seized asset and every international raid sends a signal that the era of impunity may finally be ending.
Still, the big question remains—will the Gupta brothers ever stand trial in South Africa?