KATHMANDU: The Department of Revenue Investigation has filed a case at the Kathmandu District Court against truck driver Kushang Lama and alleged money owner Narayan Paudel for foreign currency misappropriation.
On Chaitra 4, a team from the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office seized over Rs 250 million in foreign currency from a container truck (Na 7 Kha 1652) driven by Lama, en route from Tokha to Jhor in Kathmandu.
Based on the evidence collected, the Department stated that Lama and Paudel have been charged under Sections 3, 4, 5, and 9 of the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 2019. The confiscated amount has been valued at Rs 253.4 million as per the exchange rate set by Nepal Rastra Bank. The Department is seeking fines and additional penalties under Section 17 of the same Act.
Lama, who had previously been convicted in a gold smuggling case on Ashad 26, 2074, has been recommended for further punishment under Section 442 of the Criminal Code, citing repeat offense within five years.
The container truck used in the crime has also been requested to be confiscated as a criminal asset under Section 11 of the The proceeds and Instrumentalities of Crime ( Freezing, Seizing and Confiscation ) Act.
Paudel, a resident of Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality–4 in Sindhupalchok, is currently absconding. The court has been asked to issue legal proceedings in absentia. He has been previously linked to sandalwood smuggling, illegal gold trafficking, and hundi operations.
Both Lama and Paudel are originally from Sindhupalchok district.
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