Sher Bahadur Deuba to return to Nepal amid money laundering probe

Former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba is scheduled to return to Nepal on Tuesday, August 11, after an extended absence of over five months. His departure on February 25 was initially for "medical treatment" in Singapore, accompanied by his chief personal secretary. Deuba's return coincides with preparations for a national gathering of his faction within the Nepali Congress, set for August 14-16.

Deuba and his wife, former foreign minister Arzu Rana Deuba, have been abroad while facing a money-laundering investigation by Nepal's Department of Money Laundering Investigation and the Central Investigation Bureau. Arrest warrants were issued against them on April 7, leading to Interpol Red Notice requests, which were ultimately declined. The Supreme Court later issued an interim order that effectively halted their arrest, deeming the warrants ineffective for cases falling under the Special Court's jurisdiction.

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I have confirmed that Sher Bahadur is arriving.

Through their legal representatives, the couple had previously communicated their intention to return within two months and cooperate with the investigation. In letters sent from abroad, they stated they were not fleeing the country and were seeking medical care. They requested assurances against any measures that could impede their return, emphasizing their good faith and readiness to cooperate. Officials familiar with the correspondence confirmed the couple's intent to return and face the investigation.

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We are acting in good faith and are fully prepared to cooperate with the investigation.