KATHMANDU: The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has widened its investigation into alleged banking offenses, moving beyond the Prabhu Group to take action against Guna Group as well.
On Wednesday, the bureau arrested Guna Airlines operator Rajendra Shakya from Kathmandu under charges outlined in the Banking Offenses and Punishment Act, 2008.
According to the CIB, Shakya’s arrest follows findings that emerged while investigating allegations against Prabhu Bank’s top officials. The ongoing probe, initiated after complaints involving Kusum Lama, includes suspected fraud, criminal breach of trust, and violations under the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Act, 2002.
CIB officials said the investigative team discovered evidence suggesting that Prabhu Bank CEO Ashok Sherchan had approved irregular loans that caused financial harm to the bank. During forensic analysis by the expert team, large sums of money were found to have been misused through multiple companies.
Read also: CIB’s unilateral probe into Prabhu Bank raises concerns over NRB’s authority
Based on these findings, the bureau obtained permission from the Patan High Court, after which Shakya was arrested from Jawalakhel earlier today. The CIB confirmed that further investigation into Shakya’s involvement is underway.
CIB Spokesperson SSP Shibkumar Shrestha said the arrest is part of an expanded inquiry into suspected loan misuse linked to various business groups. “The investigation is continuing, and more details will be made public as evidence is verified,” he said.
Earlier, the CIB had arrested Prabhu Bank CEO Ashok Sherchan and two other senior officials in connection with the same broader probe.
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