KATHMANDU: The number of Nepalis involved in criminal activities is growing of late, with Nepal becoming a shelter for internationally notorious criminals.

Cases of Nepali people receiving Red Notice are increasing owing to their involvement in criminal activities, such as cybercrime, VOIP, drug-trafficking, networking business, which is growing of late in Nepal.

According to statistics of Interpol, as many as 97 people have been in the red corner notice. They have been issued Red Notice on the charge of theft, fraud, murder, poaching, and rape, according to SSP Umesh Raj Joshi, chief of Interpol Section at the Nepal police headquarters.

Among the 97 Nepalis getting the red notice, 28 are from India, 16 from the UAE, 11 from Qatar, five from the US, three from Saudi Arabia, and one each from Belarus and Portugal, and 31 from Nepal.

Who are in the red corner notice? 

In the third week of April, Interpol had issued Red Notice to Sudarshan Gautam, a lead actor of a Nepali movie Himmatwali.

Gautam, who has been residing in Canada, had been dragged into controversy for trafficking Nepali people to America via various countries.

Currently, Red Notice has been issued to as many as 31 people, of which two are Nepalis. Likewise, diffusion notice has been issued to 33 people including six foreigners.