KATHMANDU: The Department of Customs has suspended 13 officials deployed at the Rasuwa Customs Office over alleged irregularities in the customs clearance of electric vehicles (EVs).

The department said disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against the suspended employees following findings of irregularities in the customs inspection and clearance process.

The Department of Customs has also recommended legal action under prevailing customs laws against several EV importers allegedly involved in the case. These include Laxmi E-Mobility Pvt. Ltd. (Kathmandu), Cimex Inc. Pvt. Ltd. (Kathmandu), C.G. Motors Pvt. Ltd. (Lalitpur), Puja International Nepal Pvt. Ltd. (Kathmandu), and Pooja Construction Nepal Pvt. Ltd.

In addition, customs clearance representatives operating under Agent No. 248, Agent No. 833, and Agent No. 478, among others, have been referred for action in accordance with customs regulations.

The department has not yet disclosed the full extent of the alleged violations but said further investigation and legal proceedings are underway.