Anti-graft body files corruption charges against former Speaker Mahara, others in gold smuggling case
Summary
The CIAA has filed corruption charges against former Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara and others for facilitating gold smuggling concealed in e-cigarettes at Tribhuvan International Airport.
Key Points
- The CIAA has filed a corruption case against former Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara, joint secretary Arun Pokharel, and others over gold smuggling using vape devices.
- Gold concealed inside 730 vape units arrived at Tribhuvan International Airport but much of the gold disappeared after seizure due to collusion and swapping of devices.
- Phone records indicate Mahara and his son contacted customs officials extensively to press for the release of the seized gold-containing vape devices.
- Investigations revealed a Chinese smuggling network's involvement and the gold was intended to be moved through Nepal to India; several arrests have been made, including customs officials.
