KATHMANDU, May 7: The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police has raided Vienna Hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu, owned by Dawa Tsering, a Belgian citizen of Chinese origin who is allegedly involved in gold smuggling.

The CIB conducted the raid due to suspicions of hundi (illegal informal money transfer) transactions.

CIB sources reported that several individuals were arrested with money collected from hundi. However, the CIB has not revealed any specific details about these arrests nor confirmed the exact amount seized.

This is not the first time the Vienna Hotel has been under investigation. Earlier, both the police and Department Of Revenue Investigation had conducted separate raids on the hotel. The hotel is registered in the name of Tsering’s wife, Amala Roka.

A case has been registered in connection with the smuggling of 60 kg of gold, naming several individuals including Roka, as defendants. An Interpol diffusion notice has also been issued for those who are absconding.