Nepal’s former PM, wife named in money laundering case, arrest warrant issued

The Department of Money Laundering Investigation in Nepal has issued arrest warrants against former Nepal PM Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, former foreign minister Arzu Rana Deuba in a money laundering probe, as per reports.

Following the issuance of the warrants, the couple has been declared fugitives. According to  reports citing sources in the Home Ministry,  this step is part of the process to secure an Interpol Red Notice, which would allow international authorities to detain them abroad and assist in their extradition to Nepal.

The Deuba couple is reportedly believed to be in Singapore. The action comes amid an expanding probe into an alleged money laundering case involving three former prime ministers and two former ministers.

The Department of Money Laundering Investigation, supported by the Central Investigation Bureau of Nepal Police, has stepped up its inquiry after initial findings revealed inconsistencies in financial disclosures and asset records, as per reports. Former minister Deepak Khadka has already been taken into custody in connection with the case.

Investigators reportedly said the case reportedly gained traction after partially burnt banknote fragments were recovered from the homes of several political figures following the violence on September 9, 2025. Forensic analysis later confirmed the fragments to be genuine currency, triggering a comprehensive investigation.

Deuba, a five-time prime minister, has been a prominent figure in Nepali politics since 1991 and has consistently won elections from Dadeldhura. However, he did not contest the most recent House of Representatives polls.

The investigation reportedly also widened to include members of the Deuba family. Their son, Jaiveer Singh Deuba, and brother-in-law, Bhushan Rana, are reportedly abroad. Authorities had earlier conducted a raid at Rana’s residence in Jawalakhel, seizing documents and electronic devices as part of the ongoing inquiry.