US Treasury Sanctions Guptas for ‘Pay-to-Play Political Patronage’ in South Africa

Riyaz Patel

The US Treasury has slapped sanctions on the Gupta brothers, the trio at the center of a widespread government-corruption scandal that contributed to the ousting of former President Jacob Zuma and ensnared major international companies.

Ajay, Atul and Rajesh Gupta arrived in South Africa from India in the early 90s and quickly forged connections with some influential members of the ruling African National Congress (ANC).

The three used their ‘connections’ to engage in corruption and bribery to secure government contracts, the US Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control said.

The Department also imposed sanctions on close Gupta associate, Salim Essa.

South African Justice Ministry spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said the sanctions were the result of collaborative action between South Africa and the United States.

“The US Treasury’s designation targets the Guptas’ pay-to-play political patronage, which was orchestrated at the expense of the South African people,” said Sigal Mandelker, Treasury undersecretary for