#GuptaLeaks Unleashed: International Media Granted Access to Gupta Scandal Files

In a resounding collaborative effort, the amaBhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism, Daily Maverick, Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), and the Platform for the Protection of Whistleblowers in Africa (Pplaaf) have unlocked an online repository containing information at the heart of a global corruption and money-laundering scandal.

Termed the #GuptaLeaks, this digital mountain of data offers substantial evidence against the Gupta brothers, three businessmen believed to have monopolized political decision-making in South Africa, benefiting from state contracts, and potentially laundering billions of rands to offshore entities. The Guptas are known associates of South African President Jacob Zuma and his son, Duduzane.

This scandal has had a far-reaching impact, finding its roots in international corporations that either facilitated the Guptas' suspected criminal ventures or chose to overlook them. Among these are auditing company KPMG, image management firm Bell Pottinger – which has since filed for administration, consultants McKinsey & Co, and tech behemoth SAP. Investigative authorities in the US, UK, and Dubai are allegedly conducting related investigations.

The Gupta data trove will be made accessible to vetted journalists worldwide, under password protection, in a bid to bring to light the full extent of the controversy and underline the collaborative power of international journalism. These leaks were initially investigated and brought to light through concerted efforts by Daily Maverick’s Scorpio investigative unit and non-profit amaBhungane in South Africa.