Kathmandu, October 19: Nepal Police have stepped up their investigation into a gold smuggling network following the seizure of 21.75 kilograms of gold from Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu, with investigators now focusing on identifying Nepali nationals suspected of facilitating the operation.

According to police sources cited by The Kathmandu Post and Himalini, the investigation is being led by the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office. Authorities are examining the possible involvement of local accomplices in storing the seized gold, arranging its sale and transporting it across the border into India.

Three Chinese nationals have been arrested in connection with the case. Investigators are also examining digital devices and other evidence to establish the network's operational structure, identify additional suspects and trace possible links with other individuals involved in the smuggling chain.

Preliminary findings suggest that a rented residence may have been used for processing or handling the gold before it was moved further through the network. Investigators suspect the gold entered through Kathmandu airport before being processed in Budhanilkantha and potentially transported to India, The Kathmandu Post reported.

Police are working to determine how the gold entered Nepal, who financed the operation and whether the seized consignment was part of a larger trafficking network. The seized gold has been handed over to the Tribhuvan International Airport Customs Office, Senior Superintendent of Police Santosh Khadka of the Valley Crime Investigation Office confirmed, and a separate investigation into the origin and intended destination of the gold is under way.

Authorities are continuing their investigation to identify other suspects and establish the full extent of the operation.

Sources: The Kathmandu Post, 19 October 2026; Himalini, 19 October 2026.