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🇳🇵 Nepal /Crime & Justice

Special Court extends custody for former minister in money laundering probe

From Kathmandu Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Former finance minister Bishnu Paudel has been granted a six-day custody extension for a money laundering investigation.
  • The Department of Money Laundering Investigation sought additional time for questioning in connection with an equity purchase for businessman Deepak Bhatta.
  • Paudel was arrested on June 22 in Surkhet, and investigators allege he abused his authority to facilitate the transaction.

Authorities have secured a six-day extension to detain former finance minister Bishnu Paudel as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation. The Special Court granted the extension on Thursday, allowing the Department of Money Laundering Investigation more time to question Paudel.

Paudel, a vice-chair of the CPN-UML party, was arrested in Surkhet on June 22. Investigators allege he misused his position while in office to facilitate an equity purchase for businessman Deepak Bhatta. This transaction is under scrutiny as part of a wider money laundering probe, with Bhatta already in judicial custody on separate charges.

The Supreme Court has also become involved, issuing a show-cause order on June 25. The order demands explanations from various government agencies regarding Paudel's arrest and detention. The case highlights concerns about financial impropriety and the abuse of power within political circles.

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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