Gupta family properties raided in India as global scrutiny escalates

The international net continues to close in on the controversial Gupta brothers, long accused of state capture and corruption in South Africa, with fresh raids on their properties in India and the recent auctioning of their assets in Johannesburg.

According to a report by India Today, India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided multiple locations in New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and the Guptas’ ancestral home in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The operations were carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) following a Mutual Legal Assistance Request (MLAR) from South African authorities.

Investigators reportedly targeted businesses linked to brothers Ajay, Atul, and Rajesh Gupta, along with companies tied to Indian businessman Piyoosh Goyal’s World Window Group and an associate, Ram Ratan Jagati. Jagati is alleged to have used a Dubai-based shell company, JJ Trading FZE, to launder illicit funds.

At the Gupta family’s sprawling ancestral home in Saharanpur, ED officials conducted a five-hour search, seizing documents and digital records believed to be linked to money laundering, shell entities, and offshore transactions.

The Guptas, once one of South Africa’s most powerful families due to their ties with former president Jacob Zuma, have faced mounting international pressure. In 2022, two brothers - Atul and Rajesh - were arrested in the United Arab Emirates under an Interpol red notice, but the UAE later rejected South Africa’s extradition request on technical grounds.

With India now actively pursuing money laundering cases linked to the Guptas, and South Africa continuing to liquidate their assets, the once-influential family faces mounting legal and financial setbacks across borders.

Last month, IOL reported that the controversial Gupta family's Saxonwold compound was sold to a single buyer for approximately R34.5 million, the Park Village Auctions (PVA) said.

PVA announced that all three properties - number. 3, 5, and 7 Saxonwold Drive in Sandton, Gauteng - along with their contents - have been successfully sold. 

The sale includes furniture and appliances, with the total amount realised inclusive of buyer’s commission and VAT.

“Park Village Auctions has realised approximately R34.5 million for all three Saxonwold properties and their contents,” said PVA's Clive Lazarus.

Cape Times