State capture accused Rajesh and Atul Gupta have been arrested in Dubai, more than four months after Interpol issued a red notice for them in connection with fraud and money laundering charges.
The Gupta brothers are wanted in connection with the R24.9 million Nulane Investment fraud and money laundering case which is expected to proceed at the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein in September.
The Department of Justice on Monday night confirmed the arrest of Atul and Rajesh Gupta in Dubai. In a short statement, the department said: “The Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services 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.”
The brothers fled South Africa shortly after former President Jacob Zuma was recalled as President in February 2018 and took refuge in Dubai ever since. They were arrested on Friday following a red notice was issued by Interpol four months ago. The Gupta brothers were identified together with Jacob Zuma as key architects of state capture by the Zondo commission.
Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola, said it is not clear when they will be extradited to South Africa to face charges of state capture.
“Discussions between various law enforcement agencies in the UAE and South Africa on a way forward are ongoing. The South African government will continue to cooperate with the UAE,” said Phiri.
In 2020, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) announced that it asked for assistance from Interpol in locating the Guptas as they were wanted for state capture during Zuma’s term as President of South Africa.
Witnesses gave evidence in the Zondo commission into state capture, of how the brothers influenced cabinet appointment from their mansion in Saxonworld.
Source: News24, Eyewitness News, BBC, Mail&Guardian, image from Twitter