Kathmandu, December 13
Nepal police have arrested 32 members for forging documents and sending people abroad on tourist visas.
Those arrested include immigration officers, travel agency operators and government employees.
During a press conference held on Wednesday, SSP Somendra Singh Rathore of the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office said that from October 6 they have arrested 32 members of a gang involved in forging documents and sending individuals abroad on visit visas. Appropriate actions have been taken against those arrested, and as of December 13, three additional individuals have been detained and are currently under investigation.
Six out of the 32 operate educational consultancies while one is a police officer and another is a former police officer. Rathore said the Office arrested two from airline companies while 11 others were involved in different forms.
He also informed that nine people are being investigated for organised crime and 12 people are being investigated for criminal offences. Eight people, however, have been released on bail.
DSP Govinda Panthi said among those arrested are Narvir Khadka, an immigration officer, and two Nepal Airlines employees, Arvin Yadav and Hom Pokharel.
According to police investigations, it has been disclosed that travel agencies are charging Rs 15,000 per person for forging documents. Additionally, employees of the immigration department are allegedly charging Rs 55,000 for new individuals and Rs 40,000 for older ‘clients’.
