Kathmandu: Former Home Minister and Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSWP) President Rabi Lamichhane, currently in Kaski police custody, is set to be brought to Kathmandu today for further investigation into cooperative fraud, organized crime, and money laundering.

Lamichhane is under investigation for alleged involvement in embezzlement from five cooperatives, including the Kathmandu-based Swarna Laxmi Cooperative, with an arrest warrant issued against him. Police reports link Lamichhane to fraudulent activities across various districts, with evidence including checks bearing his signature.

Earlier investigations tied him to the Supreme Cooperative fraud case in Butwal, where he was interrogated for 22 hours over four days. Police have also sought three years of bank account details for Lamichhane and his wife, Nikita Poudel, as part of the investigation.

While Lamichhane denies the allegations, claiming political motives behind his arrest, evidence presented by the police has reportedly led to asset freeze requests and strengthened the case against him. Police have accused him of interfering with investigations during his tenure as Home Minister, including transferring officials involved in probing the case.

Lamichhane will remain in custody for further statements in Kathmandu and other districts, with investigations ongoing into his alleged connections to cooperative embezzlement schemes.