The FBI has opened an investigation into U.S. links to South Africa’s Guptas, escalating a scandal over the family’s alleged use of a friendship with President Jacob Zuma to control state businesses, the Financial Times said on Thursday.
The newspaper, which cited “people familiar with the matter”, said U.S. investigators had been looking at individuals, bank accounts and companies in the U.S. for ties to alleged graft involving the family. It gave no further details, Reuters reports.
The Guptas are accused of using their influence to suggest ministerial appointments and awards of state contracts, the report said. This influence has led to the split if the ANC.
The ANC has been split over the allegations against Mr Zuma and the Guptas, who are accused of using their influence to direct ministerial appointments and awards of state contracts.
The Gupta family and Zuma have denied the accusations.
