Kathmandu — The long-shelved controversial file of businessman Ajayraj Sumargi, protected for years under political influence, has finally been opened. After the formation of the government under Balen Shah’s leadership, the Department of Money Laundering Investigation has initiated a probe against Sumargi and blocked his passport.
Sumargi is accused of establishing fake companies in tax haven countries and illegally channeling around NPR 9 billion into Nepal by deceiving state agencies. Although evidence of disproportionate wealth had already surfaced in 2017, the case was kept hidden. With the change in government, investigations have now moved forward rapidly.
It has long been suspected that during the conflict era, Sumargi laundered money by investing funds collected by the Maoists under Prachanda’s leadership, disguising them as business investments.
