Nepal’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has arrested two more Chinese nationals on charges of being involved in a massive gold smuggling operation. The identities of the arrested individuals have not been disclosed. The CIB spokesperson confirmed that the arrested Chinese nationals will be charged with smuggling gold and organized crime. With this latest arrest, the total number of people arrested in connection with the gold smuggling case has now reached 23.

The Department of Revenue Investigation (DRI) had initially seized the smuggled gold on July 18 at Sinamangal, Kathmandu. The gold, weighing a total of 155kg and packed in eight sealed cartons, had passed through customs undetected at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). The confiscated gold was then sent to the Mint Division of Nepal Rastra Bank for further examination.

On Tuesday, after conducting tests to determine the quality and actual weight of the seized gold, the Mint Division confirmed that the net weight of the gold was 60.789kg. The gold had been concealed in brake shoes of motorcycles/scooters and was being transported in a taxi when it was intercepted by authorities at the airport gate. The seized gold also included electric shavers.

Following a 19-day investigation, the DRI handed over the case to the CIB for further inquiry. The arrest of two more Chinese nationals in relation to this gold smuggling case highlights the ongoing efforts by Nepalese authorities to crack down on illegal activities and protect the integrity of the country’s borders.