Ex-DPM, Ex-Home Minister Guilty in Bhutanese Refugee Scam

A former Deputy Prime Minister and a former Home Minister are among 23 people convicted by a Kathmandu court in a major fake Bhutanese refugee scam. Top Bahadur Rayamajhi and Bal Krishna Khand were found guilty of defrauding individuals seeking resettlement in the United States and other countries by verifying them as Bhutanese refugees living in Nepal.

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The number widely reported refers to newly diagnosed HIV-positive cases, not necessarily new infections that occurred within the year. These are two very different public health indicators.

The Kathmandu District Court convicted the individuals on charges of fraud, forgery, crimes against the state, and organized crime. The government prosecutor had filed cases against 30 people. Seven defendants, including the son of Rayamajhi and the son of former Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa, were acquitted.

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Stronger surveillance systems and wider access to healthcare services invariably result in higher case detection and should not be misconstrued as evidence of worsening epidemic control.

Bhutanese refugee leader Teknath Rijal was found guilty of forging government documents and acting as an accomplice in fraud, organized crime, and crimes against the state. Sanu Bhandari and Keshav Dulal, identified as main planners, were also convicted of similar charges.

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The declining positivity rate despite expanded testing is a significant epidemiological indicator that reflects improving epidemic control.

The court will announce the sentences on July 13. This case highlights a significant corruption scandal that exploited vulnerable individuals seeking a better life.

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This marks a historic milestone, making Lagos State the first sub-national government in Nigeria to independently procure antiretroviral medicines for people living with HIV.