Deubas seek safe passage home amid money laundering probe

Former Nepali Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, Arzu Rana Deuba, have formally communicated their intention to return to Nepal within two months. The couple, who are subjects of a money laundering investigation, sent letters to the Department of Money Laundering Investigation (DMLI) from Hong Kong, asserting their innocence and readiness to cooperate.

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We are acting in good faith and are fully prepared to cooperate with the investigation. Narratives are being created suggesting that we have fled the country and failed to appear for questioning. We request that arrest warrants not be issued against us on that basis.

In their correspondence, the Deubas maintained they have not fled the country and are currently abroad for medical treatment. They urged authorities not to issue arrest warrants, arguing that such actions would be based on fabricated narratives and hinder their return. They also requested assurances for their safe passage back to Nepal, noting that their reputation has been damaged by the ongoing investigation.

Officials from the DMLI confirmed receipt of the letters, which were sent via email and courier. However, a spokesperson for the Special Court stated they had no knowledge of the correspondence reaching the court. Despite the investigation, a senior DMLI official clarified that there are currently no legal obstacles preventing the couple from returning to Nepal. Interpol had previously declined requests to issue Red Notices against them, and an interim Supreme Court order has effectively deactivated earlier arrest warrants.

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The letters state that they wish to return to Nepal within two months and request that no legal measures be taken that could create hurdles to their entry into the country. They argue that their reputation has been damaged by reports surrounding the money laundering investigation and insist that they are ready to assist investigators.

The DMLI has not yet decided whether to formally respond to the letters, planning to consult with the investigating officer first. The couple's request for safe passage and assurances against arrest highlights the sensitive nature of the ongoing money laundering probe.

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Interpol has already declined to issue Red Notices and there are no active arrest warrants against them at present. There is nothing preventing them from travelling or returning to Nepal.