Nepal anti-graft body files $76 million passport graft case against 18

Nepal's anti-graft body, the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), has filed a corruption case at the Special Court against 18 defendants. The charges stem from alleged irregularities in the procurement of e-passports.

Among those charged are Tirtha Raj Aryal, the Director General of the Department of Passports, along with 10 government officials, two German companies involved in the contract, four of their executives, and two Nepal-based representatives. The CIAA is seeking the recovery of Rs10.13 billion, alongside fines and prison sentences for the accused.

Investigators found that officials and representatives from German firms Muehlbauer ID Services and Veridos GmbH allegedly colluded from the bidding process's inception. The CIAA claims tender criteria were altered to unfairly benefit these companies, causing significant financial losses to the state. The charge sheet details accusations of manipulated evaluations, improper decisions, and contract violations.

While former foreign minister Arzu Rana Deuba was questioned, she was not named as a defendant. The CIAA had issued her a notice after she failed to appear for questioning, but she later informed them via email that she was abroad for medical treatment.

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officials and representatives of German firms Muehlbauer ID Services and Veridos GmbH colluded from the outset of the bidding process to ensure the contract would be awarded to the two companies.