Nepal Police have revealed a fraud scheme where suspects used fake Cabinet decision documents to deceive Nepali jobseekers into believing they would be sent to Israel for caregiver jobs. Investigators report that 22 victims claim losses totaling Rs 65 million.
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police states that the suspects created official looking documents that falsely indicated government approval for sending workers to Israel through a special Cabinet decision. These documents were used to gain the trust of individuals who had passed caregiver exams and were seeking job opportunities.
The scheme resembles a previous scam involving Bhutanese refugees, where fake documents and false promises were used to extort money from people seeking resettlement abroad.
Fake Cabinet Papers Mislead Jobseekers
The CIB investigation found that suspects prepared documents claiming the Cabinet approved sending 156 candidates to Israel through a special agreement.
The targeted individuals had passed the caregiver examination conducted in 2024 under the government to government employment agreement between Nepal and Israel. Out of 3,461 candidates, many remain on a waiting list.
Investigators indicate that the suspects targeted those awaiting deployment and claimed that a special Cabinet decision would expedite their travel. They also allegedly invoked the prime minister’s chief adviser to enhance credibility.
The group is accused of charging Rs 620,000 per person for arranging the promised jobs.
Police confirmed that the Cabinet documents were forged, taking advantage of candidates’ aspirations for overseas employment through official channels.
Two Suspects Linked to Forged Documents
CIB investigators have identified Shivaram Shrestha and Gyan Bahadur Karki as suspects involved in creating the fake Cabinet documents.
According to a CIB officer, the two men stated that an individual of Indian origin requested them to prepare documents resembling official Cabinet decisions and received payment for their work.
Investigators are looking into how the documents were created, presented to potential workers, and whether others aided in organizing the operation.
The investigation continues to clarify each suspect’s role and the financial flow related to the scheme. Allegations have not yet been proven in court.
Rs 65 Million in Alleged Losses from 22 Complainants
CIB spokesperson and Senior Superintendent of Police Anupam Shamsher Jabara reported that 22 people have filed complaints claiming they were defrauded of a total of Rs 65 million. Police believe the number of complainants may rise as more victims come forward.
Investigators discovered that one individual allegedly collected up to Rs 25 million from others, promising to arrange jobs in Israel before handing the money to the group under investigation.
Balika Siwakoti has been identified as the main person receiving money directly from victims, with other group members suspected of collaborating with her.
The CIB has issued a public notice encouraging anyone who feels they were defrauded to contact the bureau and file a complaint.
Five Arrested in Connection to the Case
Police have arrested five individuals related to the alleged scheme:
- Bharat Prasad Chaulagain, a Nepali Congress leader
- Balika Siwakoti, from Dolakha
- Gyan Bahadur Karki
- Shivaram Shrestha
- Binita Khadka, a candidate for the Nepali Congress Central Working Committee
Chaulagain and Siwakoti were arrested earlier, while Karki and Shrestha were apprehended later in the Mulpani area. Khadka was also arrested following emerging evidence during the investigation.
On October 12, the Kathmandu District Court ruled that Khadka could be investigated without custody, stating that the reviewed statements did not warrant her detention.
This order pertains to Khadka’s custody during the investigation and does not affect the overall case outcome.
Investigation Expanded to Organised Crime
Initially classified as fraud, the investigation has now expanded to include organized crime allegations. The CIB has indicated that further inquiries suggest the involvement of additional individuals and that the scheme may have been conducted in an organized manner.
This additional charge allows investigators to seek longer custody periods under relevant legal provisions while examining the suspected operation.
Police continue to investigate the creation of forged documents, the collection and transfer of funds, and the roles of those arrested and any other involved individuals.
Authorities Encourage Potential Victims to Step Forward
The case has raised alarms about the exploitation of individuals seeking foreign employment through official recruitment. Investigators believe the suspects used the credibility of government-to-government recruitment and fabricated documents to convince candidates to pay large sums.
The CIB is urging anyone who paid money for promised caregiver jobs in Israel to contact the bureau and provide information that could aid the investigation.
The case is still under investigation, and the accusations against the suspects have yet to be legally confirmed.