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🇳🇵 Nepal /Crime & Justice

CIAA Files Fourth Corruption Case in Pokhara Airport Project, 14 Charged

From Kathmandu Post · (1h ago) English Critical tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Nepal's anti-graft body filed a corruption case against 14 individuals, including former ministers and finance secretaries, over alleged irregularities in the construction of Pokhara International Airport.
  • The charges stem from alleged tax exemptions granted to the Chinese contractor, China CAMC Engineering Co Ltd, violating the original agreement, with the CIAA claiming damages of Rs3.62 billion.
  • This marks the fourth corruption case related to the Chinese-funded airport project, with previous cases involving significant financial claims and numerous defendants.

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has once again taken action, filing a fourth corruption case linked to the Pokhara International Airport project. This time, 14 individuals, including prominent former finance minister Gyanendra Bahadur Karki and former finance secretary Shankar Adhikari, are implicated. The charges center on alleged irregularities concerning tax exemptions provided to the Chinese contractor, China CAMC Engineering Co Ltd, which the CIAA claims resulted in damages of Rs3.62 billion.

This latest case underscores the persistent issues surrounding the construction of the airport, a project funded by China. It follows three previous corruption cases filed against dozens of individuals, including Chinese officials, highlighting a pattern of alleged financial impropriety and mismanagement. The scale of these cases, particularly the one seeking Rs8.36 billion in recovery, indicates deep-seated problems within the project's procurement and execution.

The charges relate to alleged tax exemptions granted to the Chinese contractor in violation of the original agreement during the airport construction.

— Ganesh Bahadur AdhikariAssistant spokesperson for the anti-graft body, explaining the basis of the charges.

From Nepal's perspective, these ongoing investigations are crucial for ensuring accountability and transparency in large-scale infrastructure projects, especially those involving foreign investment. While the CIAA's actions demonstrate a commitment to combating corruption, the repeated nature of these cases raises questions about oversight and due diligence. The involvement of Chinese company officials also brings a geopolitical dimension, as Nepal navigates its relationships with major international partners.

These corruption cases, widely reported in Nepal, are viewed not just as legal battles but as a reflection of the challenges in managing development projects that are vital for the nation's progress. The public's attention is keenly focused on the outcomes, as they impact trust in governance and the effective utilization of national and international resources. The Pokhara International Airport, intended to boost tourism and economic activity, has unfortunately become a symbol of these governance challenges.

This is the fourth corruption case connected to the Chinese-funded Pokhara airport project.

— Matrika DahalReporter for Kantipur Publications Limited, highlighting the recurring nature of the issue.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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