Gupta Brothers, two Indian-origin businessmen accused of corruption in South Africa, have been arrested in the United Arab Emirates. The South African government announced on Monday that Rajesh Gupta and Atul Gupta of the Gupta family had been arrested in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Interpol had issued both of them a red corner notice.
Both brothers are being sought for extradition by the South African government. The Gupta brothers left Saharanpur for South Africa about 24 years ago in search of a business opportunity. Their business grew slowly, and they eventually became one of South Africa’s top ten wealthy business families.
Gupta Brothers close to South African President
The Gupta brothers have long been accused of being close to former South African President Jacob Zuma and of using their business to advance their political interests. According to a report on corruption during Zuma’s tenure from 2009 to 2018, the Gupta brothers misappropriated vast sums of public money, including diverting millions of rands to enrich the now-defunct The New Age newspaper.
TNA was founded by three Gupta brothers, Ajay, Atul, and Rajesh, and was based in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. These three brothers were living in Dubai at the time. South African authorities have asked for his extradition so that criminal charges can be brought against them.
Mcebisi Jonas, South Africa’s Deputy Finance Minister, claimed about five years ago that the Gupta Brothers had assured him of replacing Nhlanhla Nene, the then Finance Minister. Following this, the Jacob Zuma government ran into difficulties. In the country, the wind began to blow against the Gupta Brothers.
Similar accusations have been levelled against Ajay Gupta in the past. He promised to make an MP a minister in 2010. The Gupta family has been accused of making arbitrary government appointments for their business interests in South Africa.
The main allegation of financial corruption against them is that, in addition to unrestrainedly assisting the Gupta brothers, there is a scam of millions of dollars in the public exchequer for the beautification of his private house.
He survived impeachment proceedings in Parliament, but his party has finally succeeded in removing him from office. The general public is so angry about the Gupta family and Zuma that slogans. Such as ‘Gupta must fall’ are being raised on the streets of Johannesburg.
