KATHMANDU, April 1: Businessman Deepak Bhatta has been placed on the immigration department’s blacklist, with authorities suspending his passport and barring him from leaving the country.
Officials at the Department of Immigration (DoI) said the action was taken on the recommendation of the Department of Money Laundering Investigation (DMLI), which is currently probing Bhatta’s assets. Officials said the DMLI informed them that it is investigating Bhatta’s property. Based on that communication, the DMLI has placed him on the blacklist.
The DMLI has intensified its investigation into Bhatta and his business network over allegations of illicit wealth accumulation. Preliminary findings indicate his involvement in money laundering, banking and insurance-related offences, revenue evasion, and the misuse of public property.
Money laundering case filed against four persons arrested on ch...
Sources said the probe has gathered pace following the formation of the new government led by Balen Shah, with instructions to expedite the case. Authorities have already initiated a series of actions against Bhatta, including monitoring his bank accounts and freezing shares held in his name and in affiliated companies.
The investigation also covers several individuals linked to Bhatta, including his wife Ayushma Nepal, his mother-in-law Anjana Nepal, business associate Shankar Agrawal, Agrawal’s sons Sahil and Sulabh, and Sulabh’s wife Shubhi Agrawal. Officials said probes into others who may have collaborated with or benefited from Bhatta have reached the final stage.
Bhatta is reported to have enjoyed political protection in the past from major leaders including K P Sharma Oli, Sher Bahadur Deuba and Pushpa Kamal Dahal. While the investigation had begun earlier, sources said it has been further accelerated under the current administration.
Meanwhile, shares of companies associated with Bhatta have already been frozen by CDS and Clearing Ltd, and Nepal Rastra Bank has placed Bhatta, his company Infinity Holdings and related individuals under financial surveillance.
