KATHMANDU: The government-formed Asset Investigation Commission is preparing to carry out a two-phase probe into the assets of public officials and employees.

The commission was established on April 15, 2026, under the chairmanship of former judge Rajendra Kumar Bhandari to investigate the assets of individuals who have held public office from 1990 to the present.

The commission comprises former judges Purushottam Parajuli and Chandiraj Dhakal, former Deputy Inspector General of Police Ganesh KC, and chartered accountant Prakash Lamsal as members.

It has been mandated to investigate individuals suspected of accumulating wealth through corruption or illegal means.

According to the commission, the first phase will focus on collecting, verifying, and examining asset details of officials and employees from the fiscal year 2005/06 to 2025/26.

The second phase will cover investigations into assets held by individuals in public office between 1990 and 2004.

Priority will be given to individuals who have faced complaints, departmental action, exhibited disproportionate wealth, or acted as intermediaries.

The commission will also closely monitor assets of employees who have served for long periods in public-facing sectors such as taxation, revenue, land administration, and transport.

The investigation will include scrutiny of ancestral property, legal income, and wealth accumulated from such sources.

The commission has stated that the process will be conducted confidentially, ensuring that the dignity of those involved is not compromised.

If necessary, coordination will be made with diplomatic missions, Interpol, and other investigative bodies to examine suspicious assets held abroad.

The commission has also arranged to receive complaints through written, verbal, electronic, and social media channels, while ensuring the confidentiality of informants.

Entities are required to provide requested details within 15 days. If they fail to do so, the commission will submit a report to the government recommending necessary action.

The commission will also use reports and data prepared by various agencies as reference. If unexplained or illegal assets are confirmed, recommendations will be made to the concerned authorities for further investigation and action.

As per the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1969, the report prepared by the commission will be submitted to the government through the Chief Secretary, and the government is required to take necessary action within 45 days.