Chinese Citizens Obtain Nepali Citizenship in Kavre, Unveiling Broader Criminal Network

Startling revelations have emerged in the wake of the arrest of Dawa Chiring, a central figure in the recent gold smuggling case involving the seizure of 60 kg of gold from outside the airport. In a shocking development, it has been discovered that not only was Dawa Chiring involved in gold smuggling, but four more foreign nationals managed to illicitly obtain Nepali citizenship from the Kavre District Administration Office.

Dawa Chiring, initially apprehended under the alias Nima Tamang, was found to be part of a broader citizenship scandal that has sent shockwaves through the region. The investigation has uncovered a disturbing pattern of fraudulent practices within the Kavre District Administration Office.

Among those implicated, Pasang Lama stands out. On January 4, 2018, the very same day Dawa Chiring obtained citizenship, Pasang Lama also secured citizenship from the Kavre District Administration Office. Strikingly, both individuals used identical addresses and listed the same father’s name, Pema Tamang. Pasang’s citizenship number was recorded as 11865, and he was issued a passport under the number 10742571 on January 25, 2018.

Additionally, two more passports under the names Ram Lama and Sonam Lama were recovered during the investigation. These passports were found alongside Chinese citizen Li Nengkai, who was arrested in connection with the gold smuggling case. Both Ram Lama and Sonam Lama acquired passports on the same day in December 2021, raising suspicions of coordinated illegal activities. Notably, the citizenship numbers associated with these passports were absent from the records of the Ministry of Home Affairs, casting further doubt on the legitimacy of their claims.

The investigation has laid bare a disturbing nexus between certain employees of the Kavre District Administration Office and individuals seeking illicit citizenship. The improper granting of citizenship to foreign nationals, including Dawa Chiring, has brought to light a widespread practice of financial influence and political patronage within the administrative processes. Earlier reports had revealed the sale of citizenship to approximately 350 individuals, including Dawa Chiring, prompting the District Administration Office to impose heightened scrutiny and rigorous checks in its citizenship distribution procedures.

Punya Bikram Paudel, the Chief District Officer, has expressed concerns over the rapid emergence of questionable citizenship records. In response, the District Administration Office has revoked the citizenship of 16 individuals who were found to have submitted false information during the month of July. These records have been forwarded to the police for further investigation and appropriate action.

Despite the revelations and mounting evidence of widespread wrongdoing, the investigation into the fraudulent citizenship scheme has been marked by significant delays. The committee formed by the Ministry of Home Affairs has struggled to conclude its inquiry into Dawa Chiring’s citizenship, further highlighting the complexities and challenges involved in rooting out such deep-seated corruption.

One particularly baffling aspect of the case centers around the identification of the alleged father of Dawa Chiring, Pema Tamang. The authenticity of Pema Tamang’s identity and role in the citizenship application process remains unclear, prompting speculation about potential employee involvement and improper influence. The involvement of key figures within the District Administration Office, such as then CDO Shiva Simkhada and Officer Jhapendraraj Kharel, has raised additional questions about the extent of the corruption within the system.

In a disturbing twist, it has been revealed that Dawa Chiring, a Belgian citizen of Tibetan origin, was not only a central figure in the gold smuggling case but had also been involved in granting Nepali citizenship and passports to numerous individuals. This revelation underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for comprehensive investigations into the interconnected web of criminal activities.

As the investigation unfolds, it is becoming increasingly evident that the citizenship scandal is a far-reaching issue with potential implications beyond just fraudulent citizenships. The intricate connections between Dawa Chiring, other foreign nationals, and individuals with political affiliations suggest a broader network that demands thorough and expeditious attention from law enforcement agencies and relevant authorities.