KATHMANDU: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has summoned the official representatives of German companies for questioning regarding the investigation into the electronic passport (e-passport) procurement case.

The Commission issued a public notice ordering them to appear for their statements.

The CIAA has summoned representatives from Muhlbauer and Veridos—the German companies involved in two separate packages of the passport procurement process.

Under the first package, which covers pre-enrollment, enrollment, data management, and delivery systems, the agreement with Muhlbauer ID Services was signed by company representatives Gerhard Maurer and Pavle Rakic.

Similarly, under the second package for quality control and packaging systems, the agreement with Veridos was signed by representatives Fabiola Bellersheim and Florian Pasqualin.

Consequently, the CIAA has specifically identified these signatories by name and address, directing them to appear for questioning.

The Commission has instructed them to present themselves either at its central office in Tangal or via virtual means “within the designated deadline.” However, the notice published in the newspaper does not specify the exact deadline.

Since the notice mentions that these companies and their signatory representatives had previously been notified via email, it is presumed that the specific deadline was included in those emails.

The CIAA has made it clear that if this public notice is ignored and the representatives fail to appear for their statements, further legal action will be initiated in accordance with the prevailing laws of Nepal.

The CIAA had previously arrested Tirtha Raj Aryal, Director General of the Department of Passports, and Director Sunil KC on June 15 over allegations of involvement in irregularities concerning the procurement process of e-passports, which is considered a crucial and sensitive matter for the Government of Nepal.