KATHMANDU, July 18:  Five individuals, including three customs officials, who were involved in stealing smuggled gold brought by Chinese nationals from Dubai, have been ordered to be sent to jail by the bench of District Court Kathmandu, presided over by Judge Deepak Dhakal.

The individuals facing detention for preliminary investigation are a non-gazetted first-class official of the customs department, Rewant Khadka, Customs Agent Dinesh Basnet, Security Guard Nirmal Kumar BK, and traders Ved Prakash Aggarwal and Saheb Rao Margela.

The incident took place on December 25, 2022, when the Tribhuvan International Airport Customs Office seized 730 electric cigarettes arranged in 73 bundles inside two suitcases under suspicion of containing illicit items. However, it was later determined that the goods were indeed electronic cigarettes, leading to an inquiry into the possibility of a substitution.

During the internal investigation, it was discovered that individuals, including Rewant Khadka, who was assigned to the warehouse in the legal branch, were involved in ‘stealing’ the smuggled gold. As discrepancies arose during the internal inquiry, the Airport Customs Office filed a complaint with the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police on February 12, 2023, seeking further investigation and appropriate action.

The subsequent investigation revealed that the gold concealed in the electronic cigarettes in two suitcases had been stolen. However, it was also uncovered that the gold had been taken out in collusion with the customs officials.

The gold, valued at Rs 90 million, was allegedly sold for Rs 60 million, and the proceeds were reportedly distributed among the involved parties.

 
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