Law enforcement agencies in the United Arab Emirates have arrested Rajesh Gupta and Atul Gupta, brothers from the Gupta family who have charges of political corruption under former South African president Jacob Zuma, according to the government of South Africa.
The South African Ministry of Justice “confirms that it has received information from law enforcement authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that fugitives of justice, namely, Rajesh and Atul Gupta have been arrested”, it said in a statement on Monday.
Dubai police confirms the arrest
Later on Tuesday, Dubai police also confirmed the arrest of Rajesh and Atul Gupta.
“The arrest reflects the continuous efforts of the UAE in combating money laundering crimes through local cooperation among the competent authorities,” Dubai police said in a statement.
India’s extradition treaty
The two countries had earlier signed an extradition treaty in April 2021, but it was not immediately clear whether the arrests would lead to the brothers’ return to South Africa.
“Discussions between various law enforcement agencies in the UAE and South Africa on the way forward are ongoing,” South Africa’s Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services said in a brief statement late on Monday, adding that it will continue to cooperate with the UAE.
Accusations on Gupta Brothers
The Gupta brothers, friends of former President Jacob Zuma, who ruled from 2009 to 2018, are accused of the following unlawful acts using connections with Zuma:
- to win contracts
- misappropriate state assets
- influence cabinet appointments
- siphon off state funds
Zuma and the Guptas are however denying any wrongdoing.
The Indian-born brothers left South Africa after Zuma was ousted in 2018. An inquiry was established in 2018 to examine allegations of graft during Zuma’s years in power.
Appreciation by the SA opposition party
South Africa’s largest opposition party welcomed the arrests.
“We hope that this is indeed the beginning of arrests and prosecution of those who have – locally and abroad – looted our country for years and are directly responsible for the hardships that millions of South Africans face today,” the Democratic Alliance said in a statement.