Kathmandu: The Nepali authorities have exposed a clandestine network of Chinese citizens engaging in illicit activities on Nepali soil.
The revelation comes on the heels of the apprehension of Chinese individuals in cases involving gold smuggling, online fraud, foreign currency trafficking, and other unlawful operations.
Recent data from the immigration department has underscored the extent of the issue, with a total of 837 Chinese nationals having been deported over the last four years due to their complicity in illegal undertakings within Nepal.
According to the official data, 427 Chinese nationals were expelled in 2019, 226 in 2020, 34 in 2021, and 150 in 2022, all for their involvement in illicit activities.
Law enforcement agencies have cited a range of charges against the apprehended Chinese nationals, including online fraud, ATM fraud, smuggling of gold and foreign currency, as well as wildlife trafficking.
Tracing back through the past seven years, the records show that the number of Chinese citizens entangled in criminal activities exceeds 1,500. Of particular concern is the misuse of tourist visas to perpetrate various crimes.
Shockingly, instances of Chinese nationals engaging in sexual crimes have also come to light. The Central Investigation Bureau of the police disclosed a case from last March where a Chinese citizen was arrested on charges of sexually exploiting minors through social media.
Furthermore, in a similar incident four years ago, a group of 122 Chinese nationals was apprehended. Subsequent investigations revealed that they were part of a criminal syndicate that exploited Nepal for illegal online gaming and fraud. The police findings indicate that these individuals often enter Nepal on tourist visas, subsequently establishing offices to facilitate their illicit operations.
Amidst concerns about Chinese nationals hacking into banking systems, the police have escalated their monitoring efforts.
The investigations have shed light on the disturbing trend of Chinese citizens, despite their engagement in legitimate businesses within Nepal, concurrently participating in criminal and illicit activities.
