India’s Enforcement Directorate Raids Gupta Properties in Major Money Laundering Probe

India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) has carried out sweeping raids across several cities, targeting properties linked to the controversial Gupta family. The operations, which took place in New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and the Guptas’ ancestral home in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, were conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Authorities confirmed that the raids followed a Mutual Legal Assistance Request from South African authorities, who have been pursuing the Guptas over widespread allegations of corruption and state capture.

Multi-City Raids and Seizures

According to local reports, the ED raid on the Guptas’ Saharanpur residence lasted more than five hours. Investigators seized paper records, digital hard drives, and other materials believed to contain evidence of money laundering.

Officials say the evidence will undergo forensic analysis as part of ongoing investigations. The ED is also examining the role of alleged associates, including Ram Ratan Jagati and Push Goyel, who are suspected of setting up multiple shell companies used to move money between India, South Africa, and the UAE.

Gupta Brothers Under Scrutiny

The Gupta brothers, originally from Saharanpur, are at the centre of South Africa’s state capture scandal, accused of using political connections to secure lucrative government contracts and influence appointments.

Although the brothers are believed to be living in the United Arab Emirates, their whereabouts remain unconfirmed. Legal representatives in India have not yet commented on the raids.

India-South Africa Cooperation

The ED’s operations highlight growing cooperation between Indian and South African authorities. While the Gupta brothers have not been charged with crimes in India, they are wanted in South Africa for corruption and fraud-related offences.

Analysts say the raids could strengthen Pretoria’s ongoing efforts to extradite the Guptas. For now, investigators will focus on assessing the documents and digital evidence collected during the raids.

What Happens Next?

The ED is expected to:

• Analyse the seized evidence for links to illicit financial flows.
• Question business partners already under scrutiny.
• Share findings with South African investigators to aid extradition efforts.

Whether the Guptas face prosecution in India remains unclear, but the raids represent one of the most significant steps yet in tracking the family’s global financial networks.