UAE Justice Minister defends judicial cooperation at UN congress

Dubai Extradition Shifts Highlighted at UN Congress

The United Arab Emirates hosted the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice from 26 September to 1 October 2026. UAE Justice Minister Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi served as the congress president. During the convening, Al Nuaimi stated that international judicial cooperation relies on trust, direct communication, and swift action. The high-profile August 2026 extradition of Daniel Kinahan to Ireland demonstrated this approach, following accusations ranging from drug trafficking to murder. Christopher Kinahan’s UAE visa was also cancelled, leaving him until the end of September 2026 to leave the country. South Africa maintained a delegation at the summit, including police officers and a minister, while India was represented by Minister of Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal.

South Africa’s Unresolved Gupta Extradition Battle

South Africa continues to face roadblocks regarding the extradition of fugitive brothers Atul and Rajesh Gupta. The brothers face Interpol red notices issued in early 2022 after being wanted in connection with State Capture crimes allegedly committed under former president Jacob Zuma between 2009 and 2018. The US Treasury Department previously sanctioned Ajay, Atul, and Rajesh Gupta in 2019 alongside associate Salim Essa over corruption allegations. In June 2022, the UAE informed South Africa that the Gupta brothers had been arrested in Dubai. South Africa submitted a formal extradition request in July 2022, but by February 2023, a Dubai court concluded that the extradition request was unsuccessful because the UAE retained jurisdiction over a money laundering charge while a fraud warrant was cancelled. Andrea Johnson, former head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption, told Parliament that South Africa submitted 12 notes verbales without receiving a clear explanation for the failed extradition.

Current Whereabouts and Law Enforcement Upheaval

The Gupta brothers resurfaced in India by 2025 and remain there, according to Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia. National Director of Public Prosecutions Andy Mothibi stated that authorities are working with the UAE and India through mutual legal assistance processes. Meanwhile, South Africa’s law enforcement agencies experienced severe volatility following KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s July 2025 allegations that a cartel named the Big Five had infiltrated the criminal justice system. The resulting fallout led to criminal charges against National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, who was later cleared, and the resignation of Investigating Directorate Against Corruption boss Andrea Johnson amid mounting pressure over her ties to Crime Intelligence officer Feroz Khan.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Gupta and Kinahan Extraditions

Where are Atul and Rajesh Gupta currently located?

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia confirmed that the Gupta brothers are believed to be in India, where they surfaced in 2025.

Why did the UAE reject South Africa’s Gupta extradition request?

A Dubai court ruled in February 2023 that the UAE had jurisdiction to prosecute a money laundering charge against the brothers while a related fraud arrest warrant had been cancelled.

What action was taken against Daniel Kinahan?

Alleged cartel boss Daniel Kinahan was extradited from the UAE to Ireland in August 2026 to face charges ranging from drug trafficking to murder.