KATHMANDU, Aug 20: The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has opened investigations into the assets of former personal secretaries to three former prime ministers—KP Sharma Oli, Sher Bahadur Deuba and Pushpa Kamal Dahal—over suspected financial irregularities and possible money laundering.
The anti-graft body is investigating Rajesh Bajracharya, who served as personal secretary to Oli; Bhanu Deuba, former personal secretary to Deuba; and Ganga Dahal, former personal secretary to Dahal.
The investigation follows a letter from the Department of Money Laundering Investigation. The CIAA has formed a joint team of civil servants and police personnel to examine the financial affairs of the three individuals.
Asset declaration monitoring report presented to CIAA
The commission has also begun gathering records from more than 20 government and financial institutions, including Nepal Rastra Bank and land revenue offices. Investigators have sought details of their bank transactions, property and other assets as they work to establish the sources and movement of their wealth.
A CIAA official said the commission is preparing to record statements from all three individuals as the investigation progresses.
Bajracharya had already attracted scrutiny in connection with the alleged lease of government land in Durbarmarg to the Yeti Group at a rate reportedly below market value. Police had recommended a CIAA investigation after an inquiry found that Bajracharya had allegedly acquired land in Balkot worth around Rs 40 million from the business group, according to the report.
The commission is taking a broader look at Bhanu Deuba’s financial profile. Investigators have obtained details of his bank accounts, shareholdings, property, vehicles, loans, foreign travel, family assets and investments in companies.
Ganga Dahal’s financial transactions are also under examination. The CIAA has expanded the inquiry to include the assets of her husband, Jeevan Acharya, who serves as a minister in Koshi Province.
The investigations place the financial affairs of three former prime ministers’ close aides under the scrutiny of the country’s principal anti-corruption agency. Whether the inquiries lead to further action will depend on what the financial records, statements and other evidence reveal.
