Another Chinese Arrested in Dolakha Gold Bust, Suspected Mastermind

On Wednesday, the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) apprehended another Chinese national in connection with the recent gold smuggling operation in Dolakha. The arrestee, identified as Sagar Lama, also known as Tashi Dawa, hails from the Sichuan Province. He was captured in Kathmandu-15, specifically in the Kimadol area, on suspicion of being involved in criminal activities related to gold smuggling. Authorities believe Lama played a crucial role as the mastermind behind the illicit gold trafficking scheme.

This development comes on the heels of Tuesday’s arrest by the CIB, where three individuals, including a Chinese citizen, were apprehended in Swayambhu. They were charged with smuggling 11 kilograms of gold. Lama’s arrest was made based on information provided by these detainees. In total, 11 individuals have now been apprehended in connection with this gold smuggling case.

The police had seized the illicitly transported gold in three separate incidents on September 27, 29, and 30, in the areas of Jamune and Lamabagar within the Bigu Rural Municipality. The gold had been smuggled into Nepal through the Rongjia border crossing from China. Investigations have revealed that Chinese criminal networks collaborated with Nepali accomplices to smuggle this 11-kilogram gold consignment through the recently opened Nepal-China border crossing, primarily designated for commercial purposes.

It has also been discovered that the gold, smuggled through this channel, is subsequently transported to Kathmandu and sold by individuals involved in the smuggling operation. Authorities are continuing their efforts to dismantle this illicit network and bring those responsible to justice.