Kathmandu — The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority is preparing to file a corruption case against former Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara over alleged gold smuggling concealed inside electronic cigarettes (vapes).
Officials from the anti-graft body have already reached the Special Court Nepal with the case file, where document verification is currently underway, according to court sources.
Mahara, also a leader of the Communist Party of Nepal, is accused of having links and financial dealings with Chinese nationals involved in smuggling gold using vapes.
The case stems from a 2022 incident when customs authorities intercepted a consignment in which a Chinese group attempted to smuggle gold hidden inside vapes. Subsequent investigations reportedly revealed the involvement of Mahara and his son, Rahul.
The anti-corruption body has yet to disclose detailed charges or the exact amount involved in the case.
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