Kathmandu — Krishna Bahadur Mahara and 27 others have been charged in a major gold smuggling case involving electronic cigarettes (vapes), in a move that raises serious concerns over high-level political involvement. Authorities have claimed Rs 7.78 crore in alleged losses, pointing to a large-scale corruption network.
According to Nepal’s anti-graft body, the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), Mahara, along with senior official Arun Pokharel, his son Rahul, and others have been named as defendants. CIAA spokesperson Suresh Nyaupane confirmed that the case has been formally filed.
High-Level Network Allegations Surface
Investigators allege that in late 2022, a Chinese smuggling group used vapes to conceal gold and illegally move it into Nepal. The operation is believed to have involved coordination with influential individuals.
The CIAA claims that those involved received millions in illicit gains and facilitated the smuggling through organized support networks.
Customs Collusion and Revenue Loss Claims
Authorities say the network colluded with officials at the Tribhuvan International Airport Customs Office, allowing gold to pass through checkpoints undetected. The alleged operation resulted in massive revenue losses to the state, with officials describing it as a case of “systemic corruption.”
Political Fallout Likely to Intensify
The case is expected to trigger significant political repercussions, with Mahara’s direct implication likely to fuel debate over accountability at the highest levels. Analysts say the scandal not only highlights smuggling risks but also exposes deeper structural weaknesses within Nepal’s governance and enforcement systems.
