One held with six kg gold and Rs. 4.8 million from Bouddha

By A Staff Reporter, Kathmandu, June 18: The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police has arrested a Nepali citizen of Tibetan origin, Sherab Gyalmo, also known as Sonam Gurung, with illegal six kg of gold and Rs. 4.8 million in cash.

According to Superintendent of Police and Spokesperson for the Bureau Hobindra Bogati, 32-year-old Gyalmo was arrested on Sunday night from Tinchuli in Bouddha, Kathmandu-6. 

According to the CIB, Gyalmo was apprehended during the investigation of a 60-kg gold smuggling case in July 2023. 

Similarly, two individuals have been arrested in New Delhi, India, on charges of being involved in gold smuggling. The CIB source said that preparations are underway to bring the arrested individuals to Nepal.

The CIB stated that the second phase of the investigation is almost complete in 60-kg gold smuggling.

The CIB indicated that the seized six kg of gold might have been smuggled through land routes.

The CIB is currently investigating nine kilograms of gold smuggled via vapes and the 60 kilograms of gold seized by the Department of Revenue Investigation. So far, 20 individuals have been arrested in connection with these 60 kg and nine kg gold smuggling cases.

Of them, seven were arrested on charges of conducting gold transactions through digital payment systems such as Sajilo Nepal and Paywell Mobile Payment, while 13 were arrested on charges of involvement in gold smuggling.

Additionally, preparations are being made to bring two individuals from New Delhi to Kathmandu, said the CIB.

Among the arrested include - Siddhanath Ashok Gaikwad alias Siddharth from Maharashtra, India, Dhiraj Dinesh Baite from India, and Prashant Ganesh Vajwalkar from Maharashtra, India.

Surendraman Shrestha, Raju Khatri, Baijnath Brahmadatt Goyal, Raju Thapa alias Premnath Sedhain, Tharkman alias Kancha Lama, Raju, and Tashi Bhote alias Kanga Chasi were in CIB custody.

Bhim Prasad Timilsina, Chairman of Paywell Pvt. Ltd., Assistant Executive Officer Prajwal Acharya, Suraj Shumsher JB Rana, Phunsuk Dagpa Athupchyang Khampa of Sajilo Pay, Sushil Jaki Banja, Kashyap Manandhar, Lal Bahadur Kunwar, and Arun Kumar Yadav were also in CIB custody.