DistantNews
Support us
🇳🇵 Nepal /Technology

Nepal probes 776 electric vehicle imports amid tax leak suspicions

From Kathmandu Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • Nepal has launched an investigation into 776 electric vehicles imported just before the national budget, suspecting fraudulent documentation and leaked tax information.
  • The vehicles, primarily BYD models, were seized at various border points and customs offices after authorities received tips about irregularities.
  • The distributor claims all imports followed legal procedures and were based on commercial planning, rejecting accusations of impropriety.

Nepal is investigating hundreds of electric vehicles imported shortly before the national budget was announced, amid suspicions of leaked tax information and fraudulent documentation. The Armed Police Force (APF) has seized 776 electric vehicles that entered the country through the Korala and Rasuwagadhi border points.

We circulated instructions to APF units across the country based on information that vehicles had been imported using fraudulent documentation.

— Bishnu Prasad BhattaDeputy Inspector General of Police and spokesperson for the APF, explaining the basis for the vehicle seizure.

Authorities suspect that information about upcoming tax changes for EVs was leaked, prompting a rush to import vehicles before the new fiscal year's budget. The seized vehicles were impounded in various locations across Mustang, Parbat, Kaski, and Rasuwa districts. Deputy Inspector General Bishnu Prasad Bhatta, APF spokesperson, stated that the vehicles were seized based on information suggesting the use of fraudulent documents during the import process.

Most of the impounded vehicles are BYD models, an authorized distributor in Nepal, Cimex Inc. The company stated that the imports were made to meet customer demand and fulfill existing orders, aligning with production schedules and logistical considerations. Cimex Inc. asserted that all import and customs clearance procedures adhered to Nepal's laws and regulations.

All imports were conducted in line with BYD’s production schedules, shipping availability, regular business planning and logistical considerations.

— Cimex Inc.The authorized distributor of BYD in Nepal, defending the import process.

The company vehemently denied any coordination with government agencies to gain an advantage from tax changes, calling such claims "baseless, false and damaging to our reputation." Cimex Inc. emphasized that its import decisions were driven by inventory management and commercial requirements and pledged full cooperation with the investigation, offering to provide all necessary documentation.

Claims that the company sought to benefit from tax changes through coordination with the government agencies are baseless, false and damaging to our reputation.

— Cimex Inc.The company's statement rejecting allegations of impropriety.

Customs officials confirmed that vehicles began arriving around May 23, with a significant number cleared between May 26 and 27, just before the budget presentation on May 29. One customs chief noted the unusual influx of importers bringing numerous drivers to expedite the collection of vehicles.

The vehicles have been impounded and will be handed over to the concerned customs authorities for further investigation.

— Bishnu Prasad BhattaAPF spokesperson detailing the next steps in the investigation.
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.

More Stories

From Our Blog