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The extradition proceedings for Atul and Rajesh Gupta remain in deadlock, drawing concern from South Africa. After the re-submission of an extradition request by South Africa, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reportedly stalled the process, not providing the Justice Department with requested information.
The Gupta brothers, who reigned over vast business empires and have been linked to numerous political scandals in South Africa, were charged with fraud, corruption, and money laundering. Their crimes are believed to have been practised extensively during the administration of former South African president, Jacob Zuma.
They were arrested in Dubai in June 2022 following issuance of red notices by the international law enforcement agency, Interpol. However, despite South Africa's continuous pursuits, the duo's extradition is still far from being realised due to the lack of cooperation from the UAE's side, leaving South Africa's fight against corruption at a standstill.
The impasse has drawn intense media attention and sparked debate about the governance, accountability, and international obligations of the UAE. Until the UAE responds providing the essential information needed, the extradition process cannot move forward, keeping South Africa in uncertainty.