Smuggled gold was melted at two locations in Kathmandu, 10 machines were used: CIB

Published On: September 13, 2023 02:45 PM NPT By: Tapendra Karki

KATHMANDU, Sept 13: It has been revealed that the gold brought into Nepal by the gold smugglers from Hong Kong through Tribhuvan Airport was melted secretly at two locations in Kathmandu. For this, 10 gold melting machines were used.

According to the investigation report prepared by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police, it has been found that smugglers have been selling smuggled gold in Tokha Municipality Ward-2 and Kathmandu Metropolis-2 Lazimpat.

From the investigation, it has been revealed that goods such as gold ankhoras (traditional water vessels) and bowls are being smuggled to India from all the three locations. It has also been revealed that Indian women were used to smuggle gold into India.

Likewise, CIB has recovered 60.716 kg of gold, 1180 sets of brake pads, 10 gold melting machines, chemicals used for gold melting and other tools and equipment from the smugglers.

The CIB, which investigated gold smuggling, is submitting its report with various opinions to the district attorney's office in Kathmandu on Wednesday.

The CIB has also concluded that Ready Traders, the company used to import the smuggled gold, imported a total of 302 kg of gold. The CIB has completed the investigation by making 50 people defendants in the 61 kg gold case. The CIB has made a conclusion on the recovery of around Rs 3.50 billion compensation

The CIB has also stated that seven companies have been set up for gold smuggling. Among those companies are Chung-Ang Electric Suppliers Kathmandu owned by Lekhnath Karki Doli, Bhujel Electric Suppliers Pvt Ltd owned by Ram Kumar Bhujel, Hawda Electric Suppliers Pvt Ltd owned by Kumar Bahadur Bhujel.

Similarly, there are Pawati Electric Suppliers Pvt Ltd owned by Ram Bahadur Bhujel, Dolakha Electric Suppliers Pvt Ltd owned by Bikundra Bhujel, Ready Trade Pvt Ltd owned by Dilip Bhujel and Sarita Suppliers owned by Sarita Tamang.

According to the CIB report, gold was smuggled through these companies. Likewise, the CIB has also said that 32 defendants including Nepali and foreign nationals have been arrested so far. According to the CIB report, eight employees of Tribhuvan International Airport customs office, four customs agents, three cargo agents, one taxi driver, one interpreter, two company founders, two company founders/goods managers and 11 people engaged in gold business have been arrested.