Kathmandu: The Nepal Police have escalated their efforts by engaging the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) to aid in a high-profile gold smuggling case that has captured national attention.

The investigation, being spearheaded by Nepal's Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), has taken an international turn due to the involvement of foreign nationals in the illicit operation. As a response to this critical development, the CIB has formally communicated with Interpol, as well as relevant authorities in Hong Kong and India, in an effort to secure their collaboration.

Inspector General of Police, Basanta Bahadur Kunwar, confirmed the outreach to Interpol, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the necessity of international cooperation to crack down on transnational criminal networks.

The move comes in the wake of a pivotal incident on July 19, 2023, when the Department of Revenue Investigation intercepted an impressive cache of 60.716 kg gold bars right outside the customs office at Tribhuvan International Airport.

The subsequent apprehension of 23 individuals connected to the case marked a significant step in the ongoing investigation. However, what has truly thrust the case onto the global stage is the revelation of the involvement of not just local culprits but also a Chinese national and an Indian citizen. The Nepal Police's findings underscore the increasingly cross-border nature of such criminal activities.

The decision to seek Interpol's assistance signifies Nepal's dedication to unraveling the intricate web of international gold smuggling and bringing all perpetrators to justice. The collaborative effort between Nepal Police, Interpol, and the law enforcement agencies of Hong Kong and India highlights the importance of international partnerships in combatting modern-day transnational crimes.