CIAA intensifies probe into personal secretaries of former prime ministers Oli, Deuba, Dahal

Nepal's anti-graft body has launched separate investigations into the personal secretaries of three former prime ministers, suspecting financial irregularities. The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) is scrutinizing Rajesh Bajracharya, who served KP Sharma Oli; Bhanu Deuba, who was with Sher Bahadur Deuba; and Ganga Dahal, daughter of Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

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We have since moved ahead with the investigation.

The probes follow a preliminary study by the Department of Money Laundering Investigation, which forwarded the cases to the CIAA after finding potential issues within its jurisdiction. The CIAA has formed a joint team to gather financial and asset details from numerous agencies, including the central bank and land revenue offices. Officials stated that unusual banking transactions are being examined.

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Letters have already been sent to every agency where their shares, vehicles and other assets may be recorded.

Investigators are requesting comprehensive asset disclosures from the individuals. In Bhanu Deuba's case, a 13-page form covering bank accounts, shares, property, and investments has been requested. Deuba has a long-standing association with Sher Bahadur Deuba, having served as his chief personal secretary and accompanied him on foreign trips. The investigation into Deuba's assets also comes after a previous probe into the Deuba couple and their family, which included Bhanu, following the Gen Z protests last year. Nepali and foreign currencies were found at their residence during that period.

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Some unusual banking transactions have been seen. We are examining them further.