Senior Ruling Party Leader Allegedly Linked to Chinese Criminal Networks

Disturbing revelations have emerged suggesting a senior leader of Nepal’s ruling party, the CPN Maoist Center, has been connected to Chinese criminal gangs involved in illicit activities. Vice President of the party and former Speaker, Krishna Bahadur Mahara, along with his son Rahul Mahara, have reportedly been found to have ties with a gold smuggling gang. Despite evidence of their contacts with the gang members, the Central Bureau of Investigation refrained from naming them as accused, presumably due to the political positions.

In a development that has sent shockwaves through Nepal’s political landscape, details have emerged that on December 25, 2022, Mahara was allegedly attempting to facilitate the disposal of concealed gold within an electronic cigarette “VAPES.” This suspicious incident was intercepted by the Tribhuvan Airport Customs Office.

In his defense, Mahara claimed that he had expressed interest in the confiscated items within the electronic cigarette in his home district of Dang, believing them to be legitimate. However, investigations by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) reportedly uncovered Mahara’s link to the smuggling network. The CIB’s charge sheet reportedly outlines phone call records between Mahara and a Chinese national, Daojin Wang, believed to be a member of the smuggling gang, as well as customs officials.

This isn’t the first time that Vice President Mahara’s name has been connected to questionable Chinese ties. In the past, an audio recording allegedly captured him seeking 50 million rupees from the Chinese to secure electoral victory, an incident that caused significant controversy.

Another party leader, Barshman, has also been embroiled in the unfolding narrative. The Revenue Investigation Department’s seizure of 60 kg of illegal gold linked back to Mahara’s gold smuggling case led to the apprehension of a Chinese-origin Belgian citizen named Dawa Chiring. Dawa’s connections extend to Barshman and his wife, former Speaker Onsari Gharti, raising concerns about their involvement in organized crime.

Dawa, known to have ties with criminal gangs in China, was previously targeted by the Nepal Police under Chinese government request. However, the operation yielded only a fraction of the requested arrests due to alleged inconsistencies within the police ranks.

The complex web of affiliations continues, with Mahara, Barshman, and other Maoist leaders reportedly being close to Dawa’s group. Former Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun and his son Dipesh have also reportedly faced trouble due to their connections with Dawa. Even photographs showing these leaders with Dawa have come to light.

The revelations have not only cast a shadow on the party but have also sparked broader concerns about the ties between Nepal’s political figures and transnational criminal networks.

As authorities delve deeper into these allegations, the implications for the party and its leaders remain uncertain, while the reputation of the once-revolutionary party founded on Mao Zedong’s ideals faces increasing disrepute due to its alleged connections with Chinese citizens involved in illegal activities.