Kathmandu, Feb 12: Three months following the seizure of approximately 61 kg of gold outside Tribhuvan International Airport, the inquiry commission tasked with probing gold smuggling has gathered statements from the manager of Casino Waldo in Thamel, as its investigation progresses.

According to reports, the commission, formed to investigate gold smuggling, interrogated four individuals, including Florence, the Chinese operator of Casino Waldo at Chayaan Center. The statements were collected during the day at the Commission’s office located in the old building of the Home Ministry on Monday.

The investigation is focusing on linking the Chinese individual involved in the gold smuggling case to Casino Waldo. Main suspect Yao Puching, alleged to be connected to the casino, was reportedly engaged in frequent visits and hundi transactions there. While CCTV footage from the casino revealed the presence of the accused in the gold case, the casino owner claimed ignorance regarding any illicit transactions.

Addressing the issue of gold smuggling via electronic cigarettes (Vape) and illegally imported gold, the Commission aims to conduct a thorough investigation and propose necessary amendments to existing laws to curb such activities. It is also studying previous investigations conducted by various government agencies to understand the nature and scope of the smuggling and identify individuals involved in the crime.

Chairman of the Commission, Dilliraj Acharya, mentioned that the inquiry is in its final stages, with ongoing questioning of suspected individuals. The Commission is reviewing reports from the Ministry of Home Affairs, parliamentary committees, and the Central Bureau of Investigation of Nepal Police to effectively combat illegal gold smuggling.

The Commission, chaired by Acharya, was formed by the government on October 14 to address the issue of gold smuggling. It comprises former Joint Secretaries Kishorejung Karki and Premraj Joshi, along with former Additional Inspector General of Police Sahkul Thapa.