The Department of Money Laundering Investigation in Nepal has launched a sweeping inquiry into the assets of three former prime ministers and two former ministers over allegations of illegally amassing wealth through abuse of public office. The investigation targets Sher Bahadur Deuba, KP Sharma Oli, and Pushpa Kamal Dahal, along with former ministers Arzu Rana Deuba and Deepak Khadka. Deuba’s son, Jaybir Singh Deuba, is also under scrutiny.
The department has sought detailed information from Nepal Rastra Bank, the Securities Board of Nepal, and the Office of the Company Registrar on bank accounts, investments, company ownership, and business transactions linked to the leaders and their families. Land revenue offices across all 77 districts have been instructed to provide property records, while banks and financial institutions were asked to submit data on account balances, jewellery, and transaction histories.
Police have been directed to provide forensic reports on burnt currency notes and ashes recovered from the residences of Deuba, Dahal, and Khadka, which were set ablaze by protesters on September 9. That day, demonstrators targeted the homes of senior political figures during nationwide protests that toppled the KP Sharma Oli-led government and brought an interim administration to power.
Officials confirmed that investigation teams visited the leaders’ residences in late September to collect evidence, which has been sent to the Central Investigation Bureau for analysis. The probe spans assets and financial activities across three generations of family members. Once the collected data is verified, the department will begin taking formal statements from those under investigation.
This marks the first time in Nepal’s democratic history that a formal corruption probe has been launched against top political figures. The investigation comes amid growing public demand for accountability following years of allegations over misuse of public funds, questionable appointments, and irregularities in government contracts.
