Kathmandu: Department of Money Laundering Investigation (DMLI) has begun a formal probe into three former prime ministers and two former ministers over suspicions of accumulating illegal wealth, department sources confirmed.
Those under investigation include former prime ministers KP Sharma Oli, Sher Bahadur Deuba, and Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, along with former ministers Arzu Rana Deuba and Deepak Khadka.
According to department officials, the investigation covers financial transactions, bank accounts, property holdings, company shares, and other assets registered in the names of the leaders, their relatives, and close associates. The DMLI has sought related records from the Nepal Rastra Bank, Securities Board of Nepal, Company Registrar’s Office, and Department of Land Management.
This marks the first time that an interim government, led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, has initiated an investigation into the personal wealth of former prime ministers following the Gen-Z uprising.
“The process was launched after growing public concern over the assets of former leaders,” a source at the department said. “The probe will also cover properties owned by their family members and those closely linked to them.”
Land revenue offices across the country have started collecting data on properties registered under the names of the accused and their families. The department has also requested a forensic report on partially burnt banknotes and ashes recovered from the homes of Deuba, Prachanda, and Khadka during the arson attacks on September 9 amid the Gen-Z protests.
The DMLI plans to extend the inquiry up to three generations of family members, examining their companies, shares, bank transactions, and lifestyle patterns. Once data collection is complete, the leaders will be summoned for formal statements.
Oli is accused of favoring major business groups such as Giribandhu Tea Estate, Yeti Group, and Omni Group, while Deuba faces long-standing allegations related to the Budhigandaki Hydropower Project and Melamchi Water Supply Project.
Arzu Rana Deuba, who served as Foreign Minister, is accused of accepting bribes for political appointments and transfers. Similarly, Prachanda faces charges of misusing cantonment funds meant for ex-combatants and accepting benefits from controversial contractors and businessmen.
Former energy minister Deepak Khadka is being investigated for alleged corruption in hydropower licensing, land deals, and cheque fraud.
According to officials, the leaders’ statements will be recorded in the next phase once financial and property data have been verified.
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