Kathmandu: The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police has arrested Amala Roka, a fugitive accused in the high-profile 61 kg gold smuggling case that bypassed customs and revenue checks at Tribhuvan International Airport.

According to CIB Spokesperson and Superintendent of Police Yubaraj Khadka, Roka was apprehended from Kathmandu by a special CIB team. “She was directly involved in the 61 kg gold smuggling operation. Our team arrested her today,” said Khadka, adding that a press release regarding the arrest will be issued soon.

The gold consignment, which had cleared customs and revenue inspection, was seized by the Revenue Investigation Department on August 27, 2080 BS, shortly after it was moved out of the airport.

Roka is reportedly the wife of Belgian national Dava Tshering, another key figure in the case. Authorities have also confirmed that Hotel Vienna, located in Thamel, Kathmandu, is registered under her name and is suspected to have links to the smuggling operation.

The arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into one of Nepal’s largest gold smuggling scandals.