Arrest Warrant Issued for Ex-Nepal PM Deuba and Spouse Amid Money Laundering Probe
Synopsis
In a significant legal development, former Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife face arrest warrants linked to a money-laundering investigation. This situation escalates amid ongoing scrutiny from the new government, complicating their return to Nepal.
Key Takeaways
Arrest warrants issued for former PM Deuba and Arzu Rana Deuba.
The warrants are part of a money-laundering investigation .
Investigation involves multiple former political figures.
Deuba and his wife are currently abroad and have not returned.
The new government is intensifying scrutiny of their activities.
Kathmandu, April 8 (NationPress) Reports indicate that the Kathmandu District Court has issued an arrest warrant for former Prime Minister of Nepal, Sher Bahadur Deuba, and his spouse, Arzu Rana Deuba, who previously held the position of Foreign Minister, as part of a money-laundering probe.
The Kathmandu Post disclosed that these warrants were authorized on Tuesday by Judge Mahendra Khadka, following a request initiated by the Department of Money Laundering Investigation.
The investigation is not only focused on Deuba and his wife but also involves former Prime Ministers K P Sharma Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal, all facing allegations of money laundering.
Last September, during the Gen-Z protests, images and videos surfaced showing burnt currency from the homes of Deuba, Prachanda’s daughter, and ex-Energy Minister Deepak Khadka, which went viral on social media. Khadka has since been detained for questioning. Protesters set fire to their residences, and forensic analysis later validated the authenticity of the burned cash, triggering a comprehensive investigation amidst concerns that the visuals might have been manipulated with AI.
Notably, Deuba and his wife are currently outside Nepal. They departed for Singapore on February 26, reportedly for medical reasons, just a week before the parliamentary elections. They are believed to have since traveled to Hong Kong and have not returned.
According to sources from The Kathmandu Post, the arrest warrants are part of efforts to obtain an Interpol Red Notice, which would allow authorities to detain the couple abroad and facilitate their return to Nepal.
Having served as Prime Minister five times, Deuba has been a prominent figure in Nepali politics since 1991, consistently winning elections from his home district of Dadeldhura. However, he refrained from contesting in the latest House of Representatives elections on March 5, following his removal as the President of the Nepali Congress during a Special General Convention in January.
After the March 5 elections, the Rastriya Swatantra Party, a newly emerging political entity, claimed the title of the largest party in the House of Representatives with nearly a two-thirds majority. The new government has since intensified scrutiny of the Deuba couple's actions, complicating their potential return.
Point of View
Potentially reshaping power dynamics as the new government intensifies its investigations into high-profile corruption allegations. This situation emphasizes the need for accountability in governance.
NationPress
20 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the charges against Sher Bahadur Deuba?
Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife are facing allegations related to money laundering as part of an ongoing investigation.
Why did the Kathmandu District Court issue arrest warrants?
The arrest warrants were issued following a request from the Department of Money Laundering Investigation based on the ongoing probe into the couple's financial dealings.
Where are Deuba and his wife currently located?
They are currently believed to be outside of Nepal, having traveled to Singapore and potentially Hong Kong.
What political impact could this have in Nepal?
This situation could significantly alter the political landscape in Nepal, especially with the emergence of the Rastriya Swatantra Party as a major political force.
What is an Interpol Red Notice?
An Interpol Red Notice is a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition.
