The UAE has stated that South Africa’s request for extradition lacks adequate legal documentation

The UAE court has dismissed South Africa’s request to extradite Atul and Rajesh Gupta, who are accused of political corruption.

However, the UAE has stated that the extradition request can be resubmitted as it did not meet the required legal standards contained in the extradition treaty ratified with South Africa in April 2021.

The Guptas are accused of using their connections with former South African President Jacob Zuma to obtain contracts, influence cabinet appointments, and misappropriate state funds.

Zuma and the Guptas have denied any wrongdoing.

The UAE’s justice minister said that the extradition requests were not accompanied by a copy of a current arrest warrant order, which is a requirement.

South Africa’s Justice Minister has promised to appeal the decision.

The Guptas left South Africa after Zuma’s removal in 2018, and a judicial inquiry recommended criminal charges against them for allegations of graft during Zuma’s presidency.

The UAE has signed several extradition treaties in recent years and claims to have approved 30 requests this year.