Former PM Deuba Arrest Warrant Issued Over Money Laundering Allegations

8th April 2026, Kathmandu

In a significant escalation of the ongoing anti-corruption drive, the Kathmandu District Court has reportedly issued arrest warrants against five-time former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, former Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba.

Former PM Deuba Arrest Warrant

The warrants were issued following a request from the Department of Money Laundering Investigation (DMLI), which is currently probing the couple for the acquisition of illegal assets and suspected money laundering activities.

Investigation into Illicit Wealth

The investigation gained momentum following the “Gen Z” protests in late 2025, during which forensic evidence, including fragments of burnt currency, was reportedly recovered from the Deuba residence in Budhanilkantha.

Sources indicate that the DMLI, supported by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police, has identified significant discrepancies in the financial and asset records of the Deuba family.

Key areas of the probe include:

Illegal Wealth Acquisition: Unusual accumulation of property and bank balances over several decades.

Corporate Scrutiny: Investigation into business transactions involving their son, Jaybir Singh Deuba, and other close relatives.

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High-Profile Links: Potential connections to past scandals, including the fake Bhutanese refugee scam and controversial land deals.

Current Status: Suspects Abroad

While the court has authorized the arrests, high-level sources confirm that authorities have been unable to execute the warrants as the Deuba couple is currently residing outside of Nepal. Reports suggest they have been in Singapore and Hong Kong for medical treatment.

AIG Manoj KC, Chief of the CIB, has stated that the legal process will continue regardless of the suspects’ location. “In cases where arrest is necessary but the accused is not in the country, we utilize diplomatic channels and Interpol mechanisms to proceed,” he noted.

A Broader Crackdown

This move marks a historic shift in Nepal’s political landscape. For the first time, the DMLI is simultaneously investigating multiple former prime ministers, including KP Sharma Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal, as part of a wider effort to address long-standing allegations of corruption and the misappropriation of national assets.

For more: Former PM Deuba Arrest Warrant