KATHMANDU: The high-level investigation commission appointed by the government to scrutinize the gold smuggling case has recently taken the statement of former Speaker of Parliament, Krishna Bahadur Mahara.

Mahara faced questioning regarding his potential involvement in a gold smuggling operation facilitated through electronic cigarettes, commonly known as vape.

Earlier disclosures revealed that Mahara had confessed to the Crime Investigation Bureau (CIB) about making a phone call to a customs officer at Tribhuvan International Airport, urging the release of vape imported by a Chinese national from Dubai.

These same items were later discovered to have been utilized in the smuggling of gold.

Furthermore, Mahara has publicly acknowledged his acquaintance with the Chinese individual involved in the smuggling activity on multiple occasions.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities continue to delve into Mahara’s role and any potential connections to the illicit gold smuggling operation.