32 Arrested for Illegally Sending People Abroad on Tourist Visas

The Nepal police have apprehended 32 individuals involved in a sophisticated document forgery and human trafficking operation that exploited tourist visas for illegal migration. The arrests include immigration officers, travel agency operators, government employees, and even individuals from educational consultancies.

Addressing the media during a press conference on Wednesday, SSP Somendra Singh Rathore of the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office revealed that the operation had been ongoing since October 6. The arrested individuals were part of a well-organized gang responsible for fabricating documents and facilitating the illegal travel of Nepali citizens abroad.

Among those arrested, six individuals were associated with educational consultancies, one was a police officer, and another was a former police officer. Two suspects were employees of airline companies, and 11 others were involved in various capacities within the criminal network.

SSP Rathore emphasized that the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office had taken appropriate actions against the apprehended individuals. As of December 13, three more suspects have been detained and are currently under investigation.

During the investigation, it was discovered that travel agencies were charging Rs 15,000 per person for forging documents, while immigration department employees allegedly demanded Rs 55,000 for new clients and Rs 40,000 for returning ‘clients.’ The police have also identified nine individuals involved in organized crime and are investigating an additional 12 for various criminal offenses.

DSP Govinda Panthi provided details of some notable arrests, including Narvir Khadka, an immigration officer, and two Nepal Airlines employees, Arvin Yadav and Hom Pokharel.

Despite the severity of the charges, eight individuals have been released on bail. The police continue their efforts to dismantle the entire network and bring all responsible parties to justice. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities committed to addressing the root causes of such illegal activities.