JOHANNESBURG - The Gupta brothers' charges of money laundering by Indian tax authorities will not impact the ongoing probe by South African investigative unit, the Hawks.
This is according to Hawks spokesperson, Hangwani Mulaudzi. The infamous Gupta brothers have been granted yet another extension for their appearance before Indian tax authorities on charges of money laundering and tax evasion.
In February, the Hawks hosted a media briefing on their Estina Dairy Farm investigation, where they told reporters that Ajay Gupta is not being sought for the project, but is rather sought in connection with an "unrelated corruption case".
Indian tax authorities have granted the brothers a seven-day extension to appear before them, the postponement is the fourth in scheduled officials’ meeting with the brothers, who have failed to appear on previous occasions.
On Wednesday, South African businessman Justin van Pletzen bumped into Ajay Gupta, who is currently being sought by South African authorities, outside an office building in Dubai.
During the brief, video recorded exchange, a seemingly relaxed, Ajay told Van Pletzen he would return to South Africa “The day they give a reply”.
Indian income tax authorities confiscated documents from several properties belonging to the family, including more than 300 blank cheques in the possession of their brother-in-law, Anil Gupta in March this year.
The documents seized show that the Gupta brothers purchased over than 120 properties since 2010.
Documents also show that a R200-million temple built in honour of their late father in their Indian home town of Saharanpur.
Speaking to Business Report on Friday, Hawks spokesperson, Hangwani Mulaudzi said the Hawks had no vested interest in the Indain case against the brothers and further confirmed that there is no connection with the ongoing investigation into Ajay Gupta.