By: Natasha Archary
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has confirmed that the extradition process regarding the Gupta brothers is underway.
Rajesh and Atul Gupta were arrested in Dubai on 2 June due to an international Red Notice request issued by Interpol.
In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Justice said, “the extradition and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters between the UAE and the Republic of South Africa was signed on 25 September 2019. Both agreements were entered into force on 10 July 2021.”
The Gupta brothers are wanted in SA under fraud and money laundering charges after making off with billions from state entities.
This was done during Jacob Zuma’s 9-year tenor as President of the country.
“The case involved close coordination between the UAE authorities, including the Dubai Police, Dubai Public Prosecution and UAE Ministry of Justice to make the arrests. Together the UAE authorities took the lead in developing strong evidence on the case before making the arrests. This also involved close cooperation with their South African counterparts to share the relevant intelligence.”
UAE Ministry of Justice
The extradition request between the authorities in the UAE and South Africa is under procedure and further information will be made available in due course.
Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice, said, “The UAE does not rest in preventing international financial crime. The arrest of Rajesh Gupta and Atul Gupta, two individuals wanted by South Africa and pursuant to Interpol’s international Red Notice request, is the latest example of our commitment and sustained efforts to combat illicit finance.
Meanwhile the South African government says the extradition process will be filed within 60-days.
Ministry of Justice spokesperson Chrispin Phiri shared with Moneyweb, that SA has 60-days to lodge its extradition request and it will be filed long before that.
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