Nepal’s anti-corruption body has filed a case at the Special Court against former Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Joint Secretary Arun Pokharel, and others over their alleged involvement in a high-profile gold smuggling case.
The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority has accused the group of facilitating the illegal movement of gold hidden inside electronic cigarettes, commonly known as vapes. The case involves an estimated amount of around Rs 70 million.
The incident dates back to December 2022, when a Chinese smuggling network allegedly brought gold into Nepal disguised within vape devices on a flight from Dubai. The shipment, consisting of hundreds of vape units, was intercepted at Tribhuvan International Airport after customs officials found it suspicious.
Investigations later revealed that nearly nine kilograms of gold had been concealed inside the devices. However, much of the gold went missing after the seizure, raising serious concerns about collusion involving customs officials and intermediaries.
Authorities allege that Mahara, along with his son and other individuals, attempted to influence officials to release the seized goods. Phone records reportedly showed repeated communication between the accused and various individuals linked to the case.
The smuggling operation is believed to have involved coordination between foreign nationals and local actors, with plans to move the gold onwards to India. The case also uncovered a wider network involving illegal handling, replacement of seized goods, and internal lapses in customs security.
This marks a significant development in one of Nepal’s most controversial smuggling cases in recent years. The trial at the Special Court is expected to examine both the corruption allegations and the broader network behind the operation, which has raised questions about accountability within state institutions.