Two Gupta Brothers Still Sought by Interpol, Believed to Be in India

Two of the Gupta brothers, Atul and Rajesh, remain wanted by Interpol, with South African authorities believing they are currently in India. This was confirmed by Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia in a recent written reply to Parliament.

Interpol issued a Red Notice for their arrest back in February 2022. Although the brothers were arrested in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in June 2022, a UAE court rejected South Africa’s extradition request in 2023 on technical grounds. Since then, the brothers’ exact location has been unclear, but authorities now think they have been living in India.

The South African Interpol National Central Bureau is waiting for the final paperwork to be completed for a provisional arrest and formal extradition request. This is part of the international legal process needed before the brothers can be brought back to South Africa to face charges.

The Gupta family has been at the centre of allegations involving corruption and state capture during former President Jacob Zuma’s time in office. Atul and Rajesh, along with their brothers, have been accused of using their political connections to benefit their businesses, though they deny any wrongdoing.

Separately, another Gupta brother, Ajay, has been reported to be in India. South Africa’s high commissioner to India was recalled earlier this year following his attendance at an event with former President Zuma and Ajay Gupta, which raised questions about diplomatic protocol. However, an official investigation cleared the high commissioner of arranging or facilitating any private meetings during Zuma’s visit to India.

For now, the focus remains on bringing Atul and Rajesh Gupta back to South Africa to face legal proceedings. The process is still ongoing and depends on cooperation between South African and Indian authorities.