Kathmandu: The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police has announced its decision to persist with its inquiry into a high-profile gold smuggling case involving the illegal import of more than 60 kilograms of gold into the country, despite having already submitted its investigation report to the District Government Attorney Office.

CIB Chief and Additional Inspector General of Police, Kiran Bajracharya, disclosed that seven companies are under suspicion for their alleged involvement in the gold smuggling scheme. As of now, the investigation into the gold smuggling activities of Ready Traders is the only one that has been completed. The incident is being treated as organized crime.

The CIB has recommended legal action in accordance with various laws, including the Customs Act, Prevention of Organized Crime Act, Nepal Rastra Bank Act, National Penal Code, Nepal Citizenship Act, Passport Act, and the Immigration Act.

The Government Attorney Office is preparing to bring the case to court in the coming days. Despite suspicions involving seven companies smuggling a total of 362 kilograms of gold into Nepal, the police have so far confiscated only 60 kilograms and 716 grams. This discrepancy has prompted the CIB to continue its investigation, as it is believed that the remaining gold may have already been transported to undisclosed destinations.

To date, 33 individuals, including nine foreign nationals, have been apprehended in connection with the case, while 18 suspects remain at large. Those in custody include customs officials, customs agents, gold traders, as well as Indian and Chinese nationals.

The Revenue Investigation Department initially seized the smuggled gold, weighing 60 kilograms and 716 grams, from the Sinamangal area on July 19.

In a related development, it has been discovered that two Chinese nationals apprehended in connection with the smuggling of approximately 61 kilograms of gold into Nepal from Hong Kong possessed Indian Aadhaar cards. The Aadhaar card is a unique 12-digit identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India on behalf of the Indian government.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Kuber Kadayat, the spokesperson for the Nepal Police, revealed this startling revelation, further complicating the case. Additionally, three other Chinese nationals were found with citizenship cards issued by the District Administration Office in Kavrepalanchok, while another individual had a citizenship certificate from the District Administration Office in Kathmandu.

The Nepal Police have sought assistance from the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) to aid in this high-profile gold smuggling case that has garnered national and international attention.

This investigation, led by Nepal's Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), has taken on an international dimension due to the involvement of foreign nationals in the illicit operation. The CIB has formally reached out to Interpol and relevant authorities in Hong Kong and India to secure their cooperation.

Inspector General of Police, Basanta Bahadur Kunwar, emphasized the seriousness of the situation and the need for international collaboration to dismantle transnational criminal networks.

This move follows a significant development on July 19, 2023, when the Revenue Investigation Department intercepted a substantial cache of 60.716 kilograms of gold bars outside the customs office at Tribhuvan International Airport.

However, the revelation of the involvement of not only local culprits but also a Chinese national and an Indian citizen has thrust the case into the global spotlight. This underscores the increasingly cross-border nature of such criminal activities.

The decision to seek Interpol's assistance underscores Nepal's commitment to unraveling the complex web of international gold smuggling and bringing all those involved 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 combating modern-day transnational crimes.

In the latest developments, three customs officials have been arrested as part of the ongoing investigation into the gold smuggling scandal. The individuals in custody include customs officer Pushpa Joshi, as well as non-Gazetted first-class officers Birendra Nepali and Kamal Pariyar, all employed at the TIA Customs Office at Tribhuvan International Airport.