Morang, July 2: Nepal Police has launched a crackdown on money laundering, placing individuals with criminal backgrounds and suspicious financial activities.
According to Koshi Province Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Binod Ghimire, police have initiated their investigative capacity after specialized training to handle money laundering cases. Investigators have been trained with support from the Nepal Rastra Bank to trace assets believed to have been acquired through criminal activities.
The campaign comes as Nepal seeks to address concerns after being placed back on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in 2025 over deficiencies in combating money laundering and terrorist financing.
The operation is primarily focused on the districts of Jhapa District, Morang District, and Sunsari District. Police are targeting suspects involved in drug trafficking, loan-sharking, illegal debt collection, arms trafficking, online betting, illegal cross-border trade, casino-related crimes, and extortion.
“We are identifying, profiling and even detaining suspects linked to suspicious financial transactions,” DIG Ghimire said, adding that police recently dismantled an online betting network and intensified operations against cross-border drug trafficking.
Authorities are also revisiting previous money laundering cases involving individuals ordered to forfeit assets exceeding Rs. 20 million. Dedicated teams have been assigned to monitor former gang leaders, alleged crime bosses, and individuals suspected of involvement in illegal cross-border business.
As part of the ongoing investigation, police are preparing organised crime, illicit enrichment and money laundering charges against two residents of Biratnagar. Abhishek Giri is currently in police custody, while Bimal Bhattarai is absconding after an arrest warrant was issued. Both have previously served prison sentences in homicide cases.
During a search of Giri’s residence in Biratnagar-8, police recovered a cash-counting machine. Investigators say evidence collected so far could support additional charges of organised crime and money laundering against Giri and three other suspects.
Police have also expanded surveillance to include individuals who appear to have left criminal activities behind. Investigators will examine whether illegally acquired wealth has been laundered through banks, insurance companies, real estate transactions, or gold and silver businesses. Financial crime experts may be brought in to assist with technically complex investigations.
The government has recently moved to strengthen anti-money laundering legislation as part of broader efforts to improve compliance with international standards. #nepal
