Salim Essa, a key figure in South Africa’s State Capture scandal, continues to evade justice from Dubai nine years after fleeing the country. Prosecutors are still seeking his extradition over corruption linked to state contracts, including the Transnet locomotive deal, but no progress has been reported.
The Zondo Commission found Essa acted as a central intermediary in Gupta-linked corruption schemes involving billions of rands in irregular contracts at state-owned enterprises. Its final report recommended investigations into deals that allegedly paid at least R7.34 billion in kickbacks to companies tied to Essa or the Gupta family.
Essa, who left South Africa in 2017 following the release of the GuptaLeaks and related inquiries, has faced sanctions from the United States since 2019 and the United Kingdom since 2021. He denies any wrongdoing and has not been charged in South Africa.
The National Prosecuting Authority has stated that extradition remains a priority despite delays from foreign authorities. In February 2024 court proceedings, officials noted ongoing efforts to bring Essa back from Dubai for the Transnet case.