KATHMANDU: One of the key demands of the Gen Z movement was the investigation of high-profile corruption cases. Barely a month after the formation of the new government led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki, the first major probe has begun—with former Speaker and CPN (Maoist Centre) leader Krishna Bahadur Mahara under investigation.

Mahara has been implicated in a major gold smuggling scandal involving Chinese nationals and contraband gold concealed inside electric cigarettes (“vapes”).

The case, first investigated in December 2022, saw Mahara released on health and bail grounds despite serious allegations of his links to organized smuggling networks.

After the change in government, the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) revived the case and arrested Mahara on March 18, 2024, from Lalitpur, for his alleged involvement—alongside his son, Rahul Mahara—in facilitating the smuggling and attempting to influence customs officials at Tribhuvan International Airport.

He was arrested again on October 12, 2025, from Lalitpur as part of the ongoing investigation.

Why was Krishna Bahadur Mahara arrested in 2080 Chaitra 5?
Krishna Bahadur Mahara was arrested by the CIB on March 18, 2024 from Lalitpur amid continuing investigations into gold smuggling via electric cigarettes.

Authorities alleged that Mahara and his son Rahul attempted to influence Tribhuvan International Airport customs officials to release or auction seized gold brought into Nepal by Chinese nationals.

Though Mahara had previously been questioned and released on bail, the change in government and leadership at CIB led to renewed focus on unresolved aspects of the case.

CIB officials stated that further investigation was needed, and Mahara’s arrest was necessary to complete his testimony and secure additional evidence regarding the organized smuggling network.

What was the initial case involving Mahara?
The initial case began on December 25, 2022, when Chinese national Li Han Song arrived from Dubai on Flight FZ-0587 carrying nine kilograms of gold hidden inside 730 electric cigarettes.

Tribhuvan International Airport customs seized the items, which became the subject of a high-profile investigation. Mahara, then the vice-chair of the Maoist Centre and former Speaker, along with his son Rahul, was accused of pressuring customs officials to release the confiscated gold.

During the initial investigation, Mahara was summoned and gave statements but was released on bail due to health conditions, age, and prior testimony.

Despite his release, authorities maintained that he had connections with organized smugglers and possibly facilitated the sale of the seized gold, leaving parts of the investigation unresolved.

Who were the key foreign nationals involved in the smuggling?
The main foreign nationals involved were Li Han Song and Daojin Wang from China. Li Han Song smuggled approximately nine kilograms of gold concealed in 730 electric cigarettes from Dubai, while Daojin Wang was linked to a separate case involving 60 kilograms of gold.

Both individuals were part of an organized smuggling network reportedly connected to Mahara and his son Rahul.

Investigators revealed multiple phone contacts between Mahara’s family and these Chinese nationals, indicating coordination. The smuggling network also involved other intermediaries, and authorities noted that Mahara had requested intervention from customs officials regarding the seized gold.

Li Han Song and Daojin Wang remain at large, and their involvement underpins the broader investigation into organized cross-border gold smuggling.

What role did Mahara’s son Rahul play?
Rahul Mahara actively communicated with customs officials to influence the handling of confiscated gold. Phone records indicated 28 interactions with Daojin Wang and 11 with Li Han Song.

He reportedly visited Tribhuvan International Airport customs multiple times to request the release or auction of gold-laden vapes, allegedly to benefit the smugglers. Rahul had previously been arrested and released on bail.

According to CIB statements, Rahul coordinated with his father and the Chinese nationals in multiple attempts to recover or sell the confiscated gold.

Authorities considered these actions as evidence of facilitation of organized smuggling and potential criminal benefit, linking him directly to the case.

How did Tribhuvan International Airport customs become involved?
Customs officials at Tribhuvan International Airport seized the gold-laden vapes upon arrival from Dubai. During the investigation, officials discovered irregularities in the handling and storage of confiscated items.

The then-customs chief, Arun Pokharel, reported that Mahara and his son repeatedly intervened, urging customs staff to release or auction the gold.

Investigators found that certain airport employees, including assistant subordinates and security personnel, were complicit in the disappearance and sale of the seized gold.

Pokharel formally requested CIB intervention, which led to the investigation of Mahara and his son. These actions highlighted systemic vulnerabilities in customs enforcement and illustrated how political influence and familial connections were used to manipulate the process, enabling the illicit sale of confiscated gold while the main foreign smugglers remained free.

What previous actions had authorities taken against Mahara?
Mahara was initially arrested under then-Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane’s tenure but released on bail four days later due to health issues, age, and prior testimony completion.

He was summoned by CIB multiple times for questioning but was allowed temporary release because of tuberculosis, uric acid, and prostate problems.

Earlier investigations occurred during the Maoist Centre government when Mahara held significant political influence, allowing him to avoid full prosecution despite repeated summons. His son Rahul had also been arrested and released during these investigations.

The previous handling of the case emphasized Mahara’s political leverage, while the renewed investigation under new CIB leadership has sought to address unresolved aspects, including missing gold and connections with foreign nationals.

What evidence connects Mahara to the smuggling network?
Evidence includes repeated phone interactions with Chinese nationals Li Han Song and Daojin Wang, communications with airport customs officials, and attempts to influence the release or auction of confiscated gold.

CIB reports highlight Mahara and his son contacting officials multiple times to ensure favorable handling of the vapes containing gold. While Mahara claimed familiarity with the smugglers but denied transactional involvement, authorities noted that customs staff colluded with him to misappropriate the confiscated items.

Additional evidence includes previous statements, detailed phone records, and testimony from airport officials, linking Mahara and his son to attempts at facilitating illegal gains from smuggling. These findings collectively support allegations of their involvement in organized smuggling activities.

What role did the CIB play in the investigation?
The Central Investigation Bureau led the inquiry into the gold smuggling case. After initial testimony from Mahara and his son, the CIB reviewed phone records, airport interactions, and connections with foreign nationals.

Following reports of missing gold and possible collusion with customs staff, the bureau submitted detailed reports to the District Attorney’s Office. With the government change and new leadership, CIB reopened Mahara’s case, seeking further statements and supplementary evidence.

Investigators documented interventions by Mahara’s family in the confiscated items’ handling, establishing grounds for potential criminal charges.

CIB continues to monitor developments, collect additional evidence, and prepare to present the full case for prosecution while addressing previous investigative gaps.

Why was Mahara previously released on bail?
Mahara was released on bail due to a combination of health issues, age, and prior completion of statements. He suffered from tuberculosis, uric acid problems, and prostate conditions, which the court considered when granting temporary freedom.

Authorities also noted that he had already provided statements to the CIB, reducing the immediate need for detention. Bail conditions required Mahara to appear for further hearings as requested. The temporary release allowed him to avoid detention despite ongoing suspicion of facilitating gold smuggling via electric cigarettes.

What are the next steps in the case?
CIB is preparing a supplementary report to submit to the District Attorney’s Office to formally prosecute Mahara and his son Rahul. The investigation focuses on their facilitation of organized gold smuggling, coordination with Chinese nationals, and influence over airport customs officials.

Authorities are examining phone records, prior statements, and the disappearance of gold from airport storage. The bureau aims to present a detailed case to secure criminal liability while the main foreign smugglers remain at large.

Mahara is currently in custody for further investigation, with the primary objective of completing evidence collection and proceeding toward formal judicial proceedings.

What was Krishna Bahadur Mahara’s previous legal case of attempted rape before his involvement in the gold smuggling investigation?

Before being implicated in the gold smuggling case, Krishna Bahadur Mahara faced a high-profile attempted rape case in 2019–2020.

On February 17, 2020, the Kathmandu District Court acquitted the former Speaker and CPN (Maoist Centre) leader of all charges. The case began after a Parliament Secretariat employee accused him of attempted rape on September 29, 2019.

Mahara was arrested on October 6, and police filed a charge sheet on October 31, seeking up to seven-and-a-half years in prison. After hearings, Judge Ambar Raj Poudel ruled that the evidence was insufficient, and Mahara—who had resigned as Speaker—was cleared to resume his parliamentary duties.