UAE Arrests Gupta Brothers As Part of Efforts to Combat Money Laundering

Richard M. June 8, 2022 4 minute read

The UAE has arrested the internationally wanted Gupta brothers who were charged for money laundering in South Africa. The Gupta brothers, Rajesh and Atul Gupta were charged for allegedly moving billions of dollars by illicit means.

The Dubai police state that the arrest of internationally wanted criminals is a part of the UAE’s increasing efforts in countering financial scams and money laundering.

According to the Emirati and South African state prosecutors, the authorities from both countries are working on the banishment of the money launderers following the arrest. Interpol also placed the Gupta Brothers on the list of most wanted criminals in February.

According to Arabian Business, the UAE has been continuously monitoring the finances that come inside the country to keep a track of illegal assets. In March, the Financial Action Task Force in France, from the group of seven countries that combat money laundering, added the United Arab Emirates to their Gray List of jurisdictions in countries.

The country committed to the action plan and has strengthened its anti-financial crime network. Meanwhile, South Africa has been warned by the FATF to strengthen its security measures to prevent its inclusion in the list.

Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice, stated that UAE is not resting and is a complaint to all AML Laws, He added that the arrest of Rajesh Gupta and Atul Gupta is an example of UAE’s commitment to countering illegal finances and international laws as described by the Interpol.

Reflecting the UAE’s ongoing #AML #CTF efforts, @DubaiPoliceHQ have arrested Atul and Rajesh Gupta, after receiving a red notice from @interpol_hq . The brothers are wanted in connection with alleged money laundering and criminal charges in South Africa. pic.twitter.com/ouTfn0oz9j

— EO.AMLCTF (@EoAmlctf) June 7, 2022

He stated that: “I am thankful to the UAE authorities who have led this case with expert skill and compiled the requisite evidence to make the arrests possible. This is clearly reflected in the response to the Interpol request for Rajesh Gupta and Atul Gupta, as well as the UAE’s extradition and legal assistance agreements with South Africa, which came into force in July 2021”

These arrests are necessary as the South African authorities have accused the businessmen of corruption during the previous 9-year rule of President Jacob Zuma. The estimated amount of 500 billion rands ($32 billion) was stated as illegal, but the Gupta brothers have always refused the allegations.