Extradition of Gupta brothers to SA 'might take a while'

"One will have to wait and see how far the extradition application is from the South African authorities. I think it would be very optimistic to think it's going to happen by next week," says criminal law expert Ulrich Roux. 

The brothers were arrested in the United Arab Emirates after Interpol issued red notices for them nearly a year ago. 

READ: Gupta brothers arrested in Dubai

Police in Dubai have released a statement confirming the two brothers are in custody.

Rajesh and Atul are wanted here for an array of charges including money laundering.

UAE authorities say they are working with the South African government on their extradition.

Roux says it might be a while before they're brought to South Africa.

"That process must first unfold. They would be entitled to bring in an application for bail pending the extradition and one would have to wait and see whether the Dubai courts grant them bail, given that they are a flight risk."

ALSO READ: Civil groups wants Gupta brothers extradition 'soon'

Meanwhile, Stefanie Fick from Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) has welcomed the news of the brothers' arrest.

"Those implicated will eventually get their day in court, it seem like that day is around the corner for the Guptas kingpins. This is a major step forward in the state capture prosecutions that will hopefully lead to more arrests."