Businessmen Atul and Rajesh Gupta. ARCHIVE

Dubai court denies extradition of Gupta brothers accused of corruption in South Africa

The Dubai Court of Appeal has denied an extradition request for the Gupta brothers who are accused of corruption and other crimes in South Africa. Atul and Rajesh Gupta are accused of two cases of money laundering, fraud and corruption. South Africa wants the brothers extradited there. In its ruling, the Dubai court said the extradition request did not meet "strict standards for legal documentation" as outlined in the extradition agreement between the UAE and South Africa. According to the court, the documents submitted consisted of a cancelled arrest warrant order, which failed to meet extradition conditions. The UAE judiciary emphasized, however, that South African authorities can resubmit the extradition request with new and additional documentation. Businessmen Atul and Rajesh were implicated in the looting of state funds under then president Jacob Zuma. It is believed the brothers fled to the UAE five years ago, securing at least $3.2 billion worth of business through a network of corporations and government connections. The India-born brothers hold a South African citizenship. The Guptas have denied any wrongdoing, saying they are the victims of political infighting. ICA/Expat Media
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