KATHMANDU: The Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office has announced the apprehension of two individuals found in possession of Rs 9.8 million in illicit funds on Friday.

The detainees have been identified as Samir Sunar, aged 28, and Milan BK, aged 29, hailing from Siyari Rural Municipality-7 in Rupandehi.

The duo was intercepted while traveling in a vehicle carrying the money, near Jay Nepal Hall at Durbarmarg on Thursday.

Preliminary police investigations suggest their involvement in illicit hundi transactions and gold smuggling activities.

Further scrutiny revealed that Milan BK, one of the arrested individuals, was previously implicated in smuggling 11 kilograms of gold from China on Ashoj 10, 2080 BS.

Subsequently, an arrest warrant was issued against him in connection with the gold smuggling case.

Moreover, ongoing investigations are probing his potential involvement in money laundering activities.