Guptas wanted in SA seen in Switzerland, Africa Intelligence reports

Atul and Rajesh Gupta, wanted by South African authorities on charges of money laundering and fraud, were seen in Switzerland in late March, even though the authorities in the United Arab Emirates say they are in custody pending extradition proceedings, Africa Intelligence reported, without citing anyone.

The brothers have used their South African passports to fly by private jet and have been visiting the Central African Republic, where they have sought asylum, the Paris-based publication said.

The Guptas were arrested in the United Arab Emirates in June 2022. They were detained after Interpol placed them on its most-wanted list. South Africa has requested the brothers’ extradition from the UAE, and is awaiting an update on the application.

A South African judicial inquiry into state corruption detailed close links between the Guptas and former President Jacob Zuma, with numerous witnesses alleging they worked hand-in-hand to siphon money out of state transport, power and arms companies and jointly decided who was appointed to the cabinet. The Gupta brothers and Zuma deny the allegations.

A call to the UAE Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa’s capital, was transferred to a spokesperson who didn’t immediately respond to a message left on their phone. Emails to the embassy weren’t immediately responded to.

The Dubai police said in July 2022 that it was discussing with the South African authorities the possible extradition of the Gupta brothers.