Arrested in forest case, investigated for money laundering
Summary
Authorities are investigating former chief justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana’s assets in a money laundering probe linked to a revived red sandalwood forest case. Nabin Raj Basnet has been arrested, and investigators say the case may expose political connections involving CPN-UML leaders.
Key Points
- The Department of Money Laundering Investigation is tracing assets linked to former chief justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana and his associates for the first time.
- Inam Sapkota has been arrested, and investigators are also examining him for money laundering alongside an alleged offense under the Nepal Rastra Bank Act.
- Nabin Raj Basnet was arrested in connection with a 13-year-old red sandalwood smuggling case after the forest office revived the case at the department’s request.
- Investigators suspect political influence and possible investments in Basnet’s name involving CPN-UML leaders and KP Sharma Oli’s circle.
