Kathmandu, May 7: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CIB), Nepal Police today raided Hotel Vienna in Thamel, Kathmandu, on the suspicion of running hundi. Some people have been apprehended along with some amount of money in connection with their involvement in the illegal underground banking system, according to a CIB source. However, the CIB has yet to disclose the information. Earlier, a separate team of Nepal police and the Department of Revenue Investigation raided the hotel owned by Dawa Tshering, a Belgian citizen of Chinese origin, who is currently in custody in the 60 kg gold smuggling case, suspecting illegal activities.
The hotel is registered in the name of Dawa’s spouse Amala Roka, who is also the former vice chairperson of the Rolpa-Kathmandu Liaison Forum close to the CPN (Maoist Centre). A diffusion notice has been issued against Roka in connection with the gold smuggling.
Economic impact of foreign involvement in illegal activities
Incidents involving foreign nationals including Chinese people engaging in illegal activities can greatly affect Nepal’s economy. It can have an impact on Nepal’s tourism and business relations between Nepal, and the respective countries due to a perception of insecurity and instability in Nepal.
When illegal businesses, particularly those operated by foreign nationals, run in popular tourist hubs like Thamel in Kathmandu, it can have several impacts on Nepal’s business:
- Unhealthy competition: Nepali business owners may face unhealthy competition from illegal businesses, as they may not adhere to the same regulations, taxes, or standards as legitimate businesses. This can result in loss of revenue for Nepal.
- Reputation: If illegal businesses run by foreign owners operate unchecked, it could tarnish the reputation of the specific area and deter tourists from visiting altogether. This would negatively affect all businesses in Thamel in particular, including those operated by Nepali owners.
- Regulatory Concerns: The operation of illegal businesses may lead to increased regulatory scrutiny and enforcement measures, which could impact all businesses in the specific area, including those operating legally. This might result in additional compliance costs or administrative burdens for Nepali business owners.
- Economic Impact: If illegal businesses operate unchecked evading taxes, it can deprive the government of revenue that could otherwise be used for infrastructure development, public services or tourism promotion, ultimately affecting the country’s overall economy.
Overall, the operation of illegal businesses in Thamel can create challenges and competition for Nepali business owners, affecting their livelihoods and the overall economic landscape of the area.
Thus, it is important for Nepal and the respective countries including China to cooperate and work together to address such issues of illegal activities effectively, and maintain positive bilateral relations between Nepal and these countries.
