This archive report was first published on 11 October 2019.
On October 10, 2019, the US Treasury announced sanctions on the Gupta family and associate Salim Essa, citing their role in a 'significant corruption network' in South Africa.
The Gupta family, Indian-born and wealthy, are at the center of a judicial inquiry into corruption during the presidency of Jacob Zuma.
According to Sigal Mandelker, Treasury under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, the Gupta family 'leveraged its political connections to engage in widespread corruption and bribery, capture government contracts, and misappropriate state assets.'
The sanctions, imposed under the US Global Magnitsky Act, freeze any assets the blacklisted individuals have under US jurisdiction and prohibit Americans and US businesses from transactions with them.
The US Treasury expressed support for South Africa's anti-corruption efforts, stating, 'Today's sanctions announcement demonstrates the US government's unwavering commitment to supporting the rule of law and accountability in South Africa.'
