Nepal’s gold-smuggling networks survive crackdown after crackdown
Summary
Police seized 21.75kg of gold from a house in Budhanilkantha and arrested three Chinese nationals who were allegedly running a hidden processing workshop. The case underscores how gold-smuggling networks in Nepal keep adapting despite repeated crackdowns and major seizures over the past decade.
Key Points
- Police recovered 21.75kg of gold in semi-solid form from a house in Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu, and arrested three Chinese nationals.
- Investigators found smelting and casting equipment, indicating the house was being used as a clandestine gold-processing workshop.
- The case follows a long pattern of gold-smuggling networks in Nepal, including the major 2023 seizure of 60kg at Tribhuvan International Airport.
- Officials say smuggling persists because of strong market demand, duty gaps, weak enforcement and reduced incentives for informants.
