Gupta brothers, who are meant to be detained in UAE, reportedly seen in Switzerland

Rajesh and Atul Gupta, who are wanted in South Africa and supposedly detained in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have reportedly been seen in Switzerland recently.

According to a report by Bloomberg, the Gupta brothers were spotted in Switzerland in late March.

Bloomberg said it had taken the information from another publication, Africa Intelligence.

If Atul and Rajesh Gupta were in the European country, it would fly in the face of the UAE authorities’ claims that the brothers are in custody in the Gulf state.

Africa Intelligence also claimed the brothers have used their South African passports to travel via a private jet. They reportedly visited the Central African Republic (CAR) to seek asylum.

Justice Department waiting for update on extradition

At the end of March, South Africa’s Justice and Correctional Services Department said it is still waiting for an update from the UAE on the status of its extradition application for the Gupta brothers.

This, four months after the fugitives were arrested in Dubai in June last year.

ALSO READ: Justice Dept still waiting for update from UAE authorities on Guptas’ extradition request

Atul and Rajesh Gupta were arrested after Interpol issued a red notice in connection with the charges they are facing in South Africa.

The Gupta brothers are wanted in connection with the Nulane Investment and Estina cases.

Lamola concerned over lack of updates

Late last year, the Justice and Correctional Services Department said no date has been set for Atul and Rajesh’s extradition hearing.

Last week Thursday, Justice and Correctional Services minister Ronald Lamola said he was concerned that his department had received no update on the status of the court case and the state’s application for extradition.

ALSO READ: Atul Gupta loses court bid to get South African passport

The Guptas fled South Africa in 2018 amid investigations into their alleged looting of billions of rands from government departments and state-owned enterprises.

The brothers are thought to be the masterminds behind the state capture project in South Africa.

Additional reporting by Thapelo Lekabe