Police in Kathmandu are investigating a suspected gold-smuggling operation after recovering about 21 kg of gold from a property in Budhanilkantha on October 8, 2026.
A team from the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office, based in Teku, searched the property after receiving a tip-off. Police reportedly kept the location under surveillance for more than a week before moving in. Investigators have reportedly linked three Chinese nationals to the gold. They are also examining the alleged role of a Nepali citizen in storing it.
Initial police-source reports described roughly 10 to 11 kg of processed gold and a similar amount awaiting processing. Police also reportedly recovered equipment used to make gold into bars.
Investigators have a preliminary theory that the gold may have entered Nepal through Tribhuvan International Airport and was meant to be sent toward India, with China suspected as the origin. Those claims come from investigative sources.
The case follows previous major gold investigations in Nepal. In July 2023, authorities seized 60 kg of gold concealed in brake shoes after it had cleared customs at the airport. Earlier, the 2017-2018 investigation that followed the murder of gold carrier Sanam Shakya uncovered allegations of 3.8 tonnes of gold smuggled over four years and led to charges against 63 people, including police officers.
Police had planned a press conference at 1 p.m. Friday. Until the conference is done with, full details of the seizure remains unverified.
