Kathmandu, October 12, 2025 – In a significant development, Krishna Bahadur Mahara, the former Speaker of Nepal’s House of Representatives and Vice-Chairman of the CPN (Maoist Centre), was arrested today by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) in connection with a long-running gold smuggling case. The 68-year-old politician was detained in the Khumaltar area of Lalitpur, under provisions of the Customs Act and the Organized Crime Prevention Act.
The arrest stems from allegations of Mahara’s involvement in smuggling approximately 9 kilograms of gold concealed within electronic vapes, or e-cigarettes, that arrived at Tribhuvan International Airport in December 2022. Authorities claim Mahara exerted pressure on customs officials to release the seized items, which were valued at over 85 million Nepali rupees. Call records reportedly show frequent communications between Mahara, his son Rahul Mahara, and Chinese nationals linked to the smuggling operation, including Li Hansong, who brought the suitcases containing the vapes.
Timeline of the Investigation
The case originated on December 25, 2022, when Li Hansong arrived from Dubai on a Fly Dubai flight with two suitcases holding 730 vapes in 73 boxes. Customs officials seized the items after suspicions arose, but Hansong left Nepal the next day after retrieving his passport. Subsequent probes revealed the gold hidden inside, leading to charges against several individuals, including customs sub-inspector Revant Khadka and accomplices like Belgian citizen Dawa Chiring and driver Lokendra Poudel.
Rahul Mahara was arrested in August 2023 and has faced ongoing legal proceedings. Krishna Bahadur Mahara himself was briefly detained in March 2024 in Kapilvastu but released without bail on March 22, 2024, with the stipulation to appear when summoned. The investigation gained fresh impetus following a high-level inquiry commission’s report, which highlighted potential interference and recommended action against Mahara and certain police officials.
In recent days, the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) questioned Mahara on October 9 regarding his interactions with customs chiefs and other officials implicated in the case. Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane is said to have directed the implementation of the commission’s findings, paving the way for today’s arrest.
Broader Context and Reactions
This marks the latest chapter in Nepal’s efforts to combat gold smuggling, a persistent issue involving international networks often linked to Chinese and Indian operatives. The case has parallels with other high-profile incidents, such as the smuggling of 60 kg of gold in motorcycle brake shoes, where Mahara’s name has also surfaced. The CIAA’s involvement underscores concerns over abuse of authority and organized crime ties.
Within the CPN (Maoist Centre), the arrest has prompted internal discussions, given Mahara’s senior role in the ruling coalition. No official statement from the party has been released yet, but sources indicate it could impact party dynamics ahead of upcoming political events.https://newsofnepal.com/
Next Steps in the Case
Mahara is expected to be presented before the Kathmandu District Court for a remand extension to allow further interrogation. The CIB continues to probe potential links to wider smuggling rings, with this being the third prosecution phase in the vape gold case. Legal experts anticipate that evidence from call records and witness statements will be pivotal.https://theinfohatch.com/birgunj-market-crisis-gst-cut-hurt-nepals-trade/
As Nepal pushes for greater transparency in governance, this arrest highlights the government’s stance on holding influential figures accountable. Further updates are anticipated as court proceedings commence.