The NPA has confirmed that an Interpol red notice has been issued for the arrest of the Gupta family, as well as all others accused in the R25 million procurement fraud case.
On Monday, 5 July 2021, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that Interpol issued red notices for the arrest of Atul Gupta and others. A red notice is an alert to all countries to request cooperation and support from law enforcement agencies around the world, to locate and provisionally arrest a person, usually a fugitive from the law, pending extradition.
The Bloemfontein Regional Court has postponed the criminal case relating to the Nulane Investment case, and the matter will be transferred to the Bloemfontein High Court in September for trial. The matter was postponed in the absence of the accused in the wake of the Level 4 lockdown. Furthermore, warrants against the accused out on bail will be issued, but Iqbal Sharma will remain incarcerated. All former Free State government officials accused have been charged with the contravention of the Public Finance Management Act.
The case relates to procurement fraud involving R24.9 million, which was reportedly paid between November 2011 and April 2012 by the Free State Department of Agriculture to Nulane Investments 204, a company owned by Sharma. The funds were reportedly later diverted to Islandsite Investments 180, a company owned by the Gupta family. Three other companies also face charges.
See the post below.
Interpol Red Notices issued for arrest of Atul Gupta and others pic.twitter.com/XJSTAO6dvp
— NPASouthAfrica (@NPA_Prosecutes) July 5, 2021
