Nepal money laundering and judicial corruption probe

Authorities in Nepal have intensified investigations into high-profile money laundering and fraud cases involving businessman Deepak Bhatta. The Department of Money Laundering Investigation (DoMLI) filed charges against Bhatta for the alleged misappropriation of approximately Rs 239.2 million through reinsurance brokerage and an additional Rs 211.5 million related to money laundering. This marks the fourth legal case brought against Bhatta, following previous proceedings regarding securities and banking offenses. These proceedings involve several other individuals, including former executives of Himalayan Re-Insurance and members of Alliant Reinsurance Brokerage.

Police have extended the remand of Inam Sapkota, who was arrested at Tribhuvan International Airport while attempting to travel to Delhi. Investigators are examining Sapkota’s role as an intermediary and his connections to high-ranking figures, including suspended Armed Police Force AIG Banshiraj Dahal and former Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana.

Recent scrutiny has expanded to include senior officials in the judiciary and security agencies. Digital forensic examinations of Sapkota’s mobile phone reportedly revealed communications suggesting attempts to influence a pending Supreme Court case through messages to Justice Hari Prasad Phuyal. Forensic data also suggests Sapkota requested money deposits into accounts associated with several officials, including Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Sharma and Inspector General of Police Dan Bahadur Karki. Other names mentioned include former AIG Bishwaraj Pokharel. While the involved individuals have issued denials, the DoMLI investigation continues.