KATHMANDU: Former Finance Minister and CPN-UML Vice-Chairman Bishnu Prasad Paudel, who was recently arrested in a money laundering case, has been presented before the Special Court for a custody extension and initial hearing.

Paudel had been kept in custody for investigation after being detained by a team from the Department of Money Laundering Investigation. Following the procedures, he was brought to the Special Court on Monday to seek an extension of his detention for further investigation and to initiate preliminary legal arguments.

The government prosecutors are prepared to request a custody extension, arguing that more time is required to complete the investigation.

On the other hand, Paudel’s legal team is expected to present their arguments based on legal procedures and evidence. Paudel is currently under investigation over allegations of acquiring illegal wealth and attempting to legitimize funds from undisclosed sources.