Probe launched into 776 EVs imported in run-up to budget
Summary
Nepal's Armed Police Force has seized 776 electric vehicles imported amid suspicions of using fraudulent documents prior to a national budget tax change announcement, prompting an investigation into possible leaked tax information.
Key Points
- 776 electric vehicles were seized by the Armed Police Force in Nepal over suspicions of fraudulent import documentation.
- Most seized vehicles belong to Chinese manufacturer BYD, whose Nepal distributor Cimex Inc denies wrongdoing.
- The investigation follows speculation that tax change information leaked before the 2026-27 national budget announcement.
- The new budget introduces a uniform 20% customs duty and a Clean Infrastructure Investment Fee replacing excise taxes on EVs.
- Significant EV import surges before tax revisions are a known practice, but authorities are probing potential illegal collaboration.
