The Gupta brothers have been declared wanted by Interpol for defrauding South Africa.

In a statement on Monday, South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) disclosed that Interpol issued red notices for Atul and Rajesh Gupta wanted in connection with corruption allegations.

Red notices are a global alert that allows law enforcement to locate and arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action.

The notices were issued to the Indian-born brothers, their wives, and four other associates, Hermione Cronje, head of the NPA’s investigating directorate, said.

“Efforts to bring the Guptas back have intensified,” she said.

The brothers were accused of paying bribes in exchange for contracts and influence ministerial appointments, using their links with former president Jacob Zuma.

Gupta brothers had fled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2018 after Mr Zuma was ousted.

The notice comes just as the former president sought to avoid 15-month jail term jail for contempt of court for failing to appear at a hearing in February.

The allegations against Mr Zuma include that he allowed the Gupta brothers to plunder state resources and influence policy.

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to remove the Gupta brothers’ association with African Industries Limited— which is run by a different Gupta family. The error is regretted.