CIB widens probe into alleged contractor-hacker network behind tender fraud
Summary
The Central Investigation Bureau has widened its probe into an alleged contractor-hacker network that manipulated Nepal’s government e-bidding system to secure contracts. The online bidding platform has been shut for nearly a month after investigators found bids were altered in favor of contractors who paid the hacker.
Key Points
- The CIB has launched a second-phase investigation into alleged collusion between contractors and a hacker who manipulated the Public Procurement Monitoring Office’s e-bidding system.
- Investigators say the hacker, government employee Diwakar Deuja, accessed 313 tenders and altered bids in favor of contractors who paid him.
- The online bidding system has been suspended since August 27 after security failures exposed confidential bid information and system vulnerabilities.
- The CIB has recommended tighter access controls and stronger data-security measures for the PPMO system.
