The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has reached out to the presidency to seek resolution in an ongoing deadlock with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) concerning the extradition of Atul and Rajesh Gupta. The NPA has expressed frustration over the perceived lack of cooperation from the UAE in extraditing the Guptas, who face charges of money laundering and fraud.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile in UAE for Gupta Brothers Extradition
The prolonged legal battle has undermined public confidence in the NPA’s ability to prosecute cases of state corruption effectively. The Guptas, accused of involvement in state capture during former President Jacob Zuma’s tenure, were detained in Dubai in 2022.
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Despite previous attempts to extradite them, a UAE court dismissed the request last year on technical grounds. However, Lamola refuted claims of procedural errors on the NPA’s part.
Both countries had established a joint task force to facilitate the extradition process, yet Batohi lamented the continued lack of cooperation from UAE authorities. She emphasized the necessity for strong political intervention from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to push the matter forward.
Challenges in the Extradition Process
With the expiration of Interpol Red Notices, the legal pathway for the Guptas’ extradition has become more complex. South Africa must now pursue new notices to impede the brothers’ ability to travel internationally, adding further hurdles to their extradition.
