Authorities have transferred 21.75 kilograms of gold, confiscated from three Chinese nationals in Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu, to the Tribhuvan International Airport Customs Office for further investigation and legal action.
Senior Superintendent of Police Santosh Khadka from the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office confirmed that the suspects were handed over to customs after the seizure. Ongoing investigations aim to uncover the gold’s source, intended destination, and any wider network involved in the case.
The seized gold weighed 21 kilograms and 750.68 grams and is valued at Rs 546 million, based on current market prices at the time of recovery.
Gold Found in Budhanilkantha
The gold was seized on October 8 during a raid on a house in Upper Bhangal, Budhanilkantha Municipality-2.
Investigators discovered various forms of gold, including loose pieces, biscuit-shaped bars, and molten material. This variety suggests that the location was used for both processing and storing gold.
According to police, the three Chinese nationals are suspected of operating a gold processing facility within the rented property. There are indications that the gold may have been brought into Nepal by air, though its exact origin and entry route remain unconfirmed.
Investigation of Three Chinese Nationals
The arrested individuals are Han Fei, 27; Zhou Longqing, 47; and Wang Jianzhen, 37. All three are confirmed to be Chinese nationals, as per police reports.
Authorities believe the group rented the entire house to process gold before distributing it. Investigators are looking into their activities, the equipment found at the site, and potential connections to others involved in the operation.
The suspects have been sent to the Tribhuvan International Airport Customs Office for further actions. Police are also pursuing their own investigation to understand the operation’s structure and whether additional individuals or networks are implicated.
Focus on Gold’s Origin and Destination
The handover of the seized gold to customs represents a significant step in the ongoing investigation. Authorities are working to trace the gold’s origins, its entry into Nepal, and its intended recipients.
An investigation team has been established to explore all aspects of the case and to identify any connections beyond the three arrested individuals.
Valued at over Rs 546 million, this seizure marks a crucial development in Nepal’s efforts to combat illegal gold trading. More updates are anticipated as customs officials and police continue their investigations.
The allegations against the suspects are still under review, and any legal accountability will be determined through the judicial process.