Kathmandu, Ashoj 22 – Police investigating the seizure of 21 kilograms of gold in Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu, have identified three Chinese nationals suspected of involvement in the alleged smuggling operation.
According to investigators, the gold was believed to have originated in China and was allegedly kept at a location in Budhanilkantha with assistance from a Nepali citizen. Police had reportedly monitored the site for more than a week after receiving information that smuggled gold might be stored there.
Authorities said the seized gold included approximately 11 kilograms in processed form, while the remaining 10 kilograms were reportedly awaiting processing.
The Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office in Teku has been examining the case, including the suspected roles of the Chinese nationals and their Nepali associate. Investigators believe statements from individuals already taken into custody could provide further information about the source of the gold and the wider network behind the operation.
The suspected gold storage had also reportedly come to the attention of Home Minister Sudan Gurung before the seizure. However, police have yet to disclose the total number of people arrested or establish the gold’s intended destination.
Previous Major Gold Smuggling Cases in Nepal
Nepal has witnessed several large-scale gold smuggling investigations in recent years. In July 2023, authorities confiscated approximately 60 kilograms of gold concealed inside brake shoes after the consignment had passed through customs at Tribhuvan International Airport. The investigation pointed to an organised smuggling network with links to China.
Another major case emerged in 2017 following the murder of Sanam Shakya, who was associated with a gold-smuggling operation. The subsequent investigation uncovered allegations that a network had smuggled around 3.8 tonnes of gold over four years. The gold was reportedly transported from the United Arab Emirates through Tribhuvan International Airport, with India believed to be its final destination.
Shakya was killed during an attempt to recover 33 kilograms of missing gold. A high-level committee led by then Joint Secretary Ishwar Raj Paudel was formed by the Ministry of Home Affairs to investigate the case. The inquiry resulted in charges against 63 individuals, including police personnel.
Investigators in the latest Budhanilkantha case are continuing their inquiry to determine the origin of the seized gold, identify everyone involved and establish whether the incident is connected to a wider smuggling network.
Source: The Kathmandu Post – 21 kilos of gold seized in Kathmandu
