KATHMANDU: Chief Commissioner of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), Prem Kumar Rai, has raised concerns over the government’s lack of action in recovering assets hidden abroad by corrupt individuals.
Speaking at a meeting of the Federalism Strengthening and National Concerns Committee in the National Assembly, Chief Commissioner Rai revealed that the government is unwilling to take steps to retrieve assets stashed in countries like Singapore, the United States, and various European nations, despite agreements from those countries to facilitate their return to Nepal.
He urged lawmakers to work towards recovering these ill-gotten assets, emphasizing the need to address corruption beyond the nation’s borders.
Rai also criticized the government’s slow progress in the matter, despite the formation of a task force aimed at facilitating the return of such assets. He expressed frustration with the lack of urgency in their efforts.
While stressing that CIAA investigations remain free from political interference, Rai explained that he has never received any direct pressure from top leadership to either pursue or halt any investigations since assuming his position.
He also highlighted the agency’s efforts to target those with significant ties to corruption, particularly in the information technology sector.
However, Rai admitted that investigations are often hindered by the reluctance of lower-level employees, who are unwilling to name higher-ups involved in corruption, despite their knowledge of the individuals at the top.
“I don’t know what happened in the past, but since I’ve taken office, I’ve seen no political influence on the investigations. There’s been no pressure from any political leadership to pursue or dismiss cases,” Rai said.
“The idea of sparing the ‘big fish’ has persisted for years, but who determines who is a ‘big fish’ or a ‘small fish’? We’ve focused on those with major corruption networks.”
He added, “In the IT sector, we’ve seen a transformation in our approach to tackling corruption, but the public is asking why higher-level officials have not been implicated. The blame often falls on lower-level employees, who are reluctant to name names. This is a major obstacle in our efforts.”
Rai went on to express his frustration with the government’s inaction regarding the recovery of assets abroad, despite positive cooperation from countries like Singapore, the United States, and European nations.
“We are still unable to retrieve the assets hidden in Singapore, the U.S., and Europe,” Rai disclosed. “Singapore has agreed to return the corrupt funds, but the government has not acted on it. A task force was formed, but no progress has been made.”
Rai noted that corruption is no longer confined to Nepal, but has become an international issue. He mentioned that a significant number of non-resident citizens are involved in corruption, further complicating efforts to trace and recover illicit funds.
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