South African authorities reacted negatively after a court in the United Arab Emirates denied the extradition request of brothers Atul and Rajesh Gupta, businessmen accused of widespread corruption.
Politics and Society April 24, 2023
The Guptas have been blamed for the widespread looting of state funds during former South African President Jacob Zuma's tenure, which contributed to the collapse of the country's economy.
One investigator estimated that the Guptas, who fled to the UAE five years ago, secured at least $3.2 billion in business through a vast network of corporate and government connections.
The Guptas have denied any wrongdoing, saying they are victims of political infighting.
Ronald Lamola, Minister of Justice of South Africa, accused the United Arab Emirates of not complying with a treaty between the two countries, adding that the South African authorities were putting pressure on their colleagues in the United Arab Emirates.
However, the UAE sent an official statement that a hearing was held on February 13 in Dubai and that “the Gupta brothers were no longer in custody as extradition was denied”.
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