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🇳🇵 Nepal /Crime & Justice

Interpol denies red notice for Deuba couple amid money laundering probe

From Kathmandu Post · (4m ago) English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Interpol has informed Nepali authorities it cannot issue a red notice against former PM Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife Arzu Rana Deuba, who are under investigation for money laundering.
  • Interpol questioned the request, stating the alleged offense did not meet the legal threshold for a red notice and sought further details on the charges and investigation.
  • The Deuba couple are currently on a fugitive list, with their whereabouts unconfirmed, following arrest warrants issued by a Kathmandu court.

The Interpol's decision not to issue a red notice against former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife Arzu Rana Deuba marks a significant development in the ongoing money laundering investigation. This move, communicated to Nepali authorities, suggests that the international police organization found the request lacking the necessary legal grounds. The Interpol's questioning of the request, particularly its initiation in a single step and the establishment of the alleged offense, highlights potential procedural or evidential weaknesses in the case presented by Nepal.

Interpol has informed Nepali authorities that it cannot issue a red notice against former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his spouse, former foreign minister Arzu Rana Deuba, who are under investigation in a money laundering probe.

— OfficialsReporting Interpol's communication to Nepali authorities regarding the red notice request.

This development is particularly sensitive given the political stature of the Deuba couple. Their placement on a fugitive list following arrest warrants issued by the Kathmandu District Court underscores the seriousness of the allegations. However, Interpol's stance could be interpreted as a setback for the investigators and potentially offer some relief to the accused, whose whereabouts remain officially unconfirmed, with reports suggesting they may be in Hong Kong.

the alleged offence linked to the Deuba couple does not appear established and noted that the money laundering probe appears to have been initiated in a single step.

— InterpolExplaining the reasons for not meeting the legal threshold for a red notice.

The article also touches upon the context of the Gen Z protests and the circulation of a video allegedly showing cash at the couple's residence, which Sher Bahadur Deuba claimed was an AI-generated fabrication. The couple's travel history, including trips to Singapore and their subsequent inclusion in the money laundering probe while abroad, adds layers to the narrative. The scrutiny extending to several relatives also indicates a broader investigation into alleged financial irregularities.

the legal threshold for issuing a red notice has not been met and sought details on the specific charges and the current stage of the investigation.

— InterpolFurther elaborating on the grounds for refusal and requesting additional information.

From a Nepali perspective, this situation raises questions about the robustness of the investigation and the process of seeking international cooperation. The Interpol's refusal, while based on its own legal thresholds, will undoubtedly fuel political debate and public scrutiny regarding the handling of high-profile corruption cases. The focus now shifts to the next steps in the domestic investigation and whether sufficient evidence can be gathered to proceed without international assistance.

the request for a red notice has been returned without approval.

— A police headquarters sourceConfirming the outcome of Interpol's review of the request.
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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