The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a money laundering case against former director general of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), Pradeep Adhikari.
On Tuesday, the CIAA filed a case at the Special Court against Adhikari and one other person, alleging corruption of Rs 17.1 million.
CIAA spokesperson Suresh Neupane said that Adhikari received a bribe of Rs 17.1 million from Prem Prakash Dhakal, head of Gayatri Construction Services, in exchange for facilitating contract approvals, supervision, and payments.
During the investigation, it was found that Adhikari had purchased 13 aana of land in Lalitpur Metropolitan City-5 in his wife’s name with the malicious intent of concealing and converting illegally obtained funds.
The CIAA has accused him of attempting to hide the actual transaction by registering only Rs 9.1 million in the land sale deed and trying to legitimize the remaining amount (Rs 17.1 million) through various bank accounts, thereby committing the offense of money laundering.
The CIAA has demanded a fine of Rs 17.1 million against Adhikari along with additional punishment as he is a public servant.
It has also sought further punishment under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2007, and the confiscation of the 13 aana land in Lalitpur purchased with the bribe money.
