Dubai police said in a statement on 7 June they had arrested two brothers from the Gupta family, who are wanted in connection to a corruption case involving former South African President Jacob Zuma.

The arrest of Atul and Rajesh Gupta, who had lived for years the UAE, represents the latest major extradition arrest in the UAE. 

It follows Dubai police's arrest of hedge fund trader Sanjay Shah last week and intention to extradite him in connection with one of Denmark's largest-ever fraud cases.

The arrest of Atel and Rajesh Gupta, "among South Africa's most wanted suspects, in connection with money laundering and criminal charges in South Africa" was made  "made after receiving a red notice for the Gupta brothers by Interpol" the Dubai Police said. 

"The force has also coordinated with the authorities in South Africa regarding the extradition file to complete the legal proceedings. 

"The arrest reflects the continuous efforts of the UAE in combatting money laundering crimes through local cooperation among the competent authorities, including the Ministry of Justice, the Dubai Public Prosecution, the Executive Office to Combat Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing, and the Financial Intelligence Unit, as well as through vital coordination and collaboration with international counterparts."

The arrests follow last year's ratification of the extradition treaty between UAE and South Africa. It came into effect in June 2021, at around the same time as Interpol issued the red notice against the two Gupta brothers.