Nepal AML Department summons Jayveer Deuba in money laundering investigation

KATHMANDU: Nepal’s Department of Money Laundering Investigation (DMLI) has issued a public notice directing Jayveer Deuba, son of former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, to appear before the department within seven days as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering offences.

In a notice published on Tuesday, the department instructed Jayveer Deuba to appear at its central office in Pulchowk, Lalitpur, under Section 71 of the Asset (Money) Laundering Prevention Act, 2008 (2064 BS). The department said his statement is required for an ongoing investigation into suspected financial offences.

According to the notice, the summons was published publicly after authorities were unable to establish contact with Deuba at his registered address. The department warned that if he fails to appear within the stipulated period, it will proceed in accordance with prevailing laws.

Government sources said Jayveer Deuba has been living outside Nepal for an extended period. Former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba have also reportedly been abroad, travelling through Singapore and staying in Hong Kong since earlier this year.

The investigation reportedly stems from Jayveer Deuba’s alleged business links with controversial businessman Deepak Bhatta, whose financial dealings are already under government scrutiny.

Bhatt and his business associate Sulabh Agrawal are currently being held in judicial custody pending trial. Investigators reportedly uncovered Jayveer Deuba’s connections while examining Bhatt’s business transactions and financial activities.

According to officials familiar with the investigation, authorities are examining various business partnerships, investment arrangements, and financial transactions involving Deuba and Bhatt. Investigators are also reviewing the source of investments, financial flows, and the legality of assets linked to the transactions.

The Department of Money Laundering Investigation has not disclosed the specific allegations or whether any formal charges have been filed against Jayveer Deuba. Officials have emphasized that the current process is part of an investigation and that the summons has been issued to record his statement and gather additional evidence.

The case has attracted significant public attention because it involves the son of one of Nepal’s most prominent political leaders. Legal experts note that the publication of a public summons does not, by itself, establish criminal liability, but indicates that investigators require the individual’s cooperation as part of the inquiry.

The department is expected to determine its next legal course of action after the seven-day deadline expires or once Jayveer Deuba responds to the summons. If he fails to appear, authorities have indicated they may initiate further legal procedures as provided under Nepal’s anti-money laundering laws.

The investigation comes as Nepal’s enforcement agencies have intensified scrutiny of financial crimes, illicit asset accumulation, and suspicious investment activities in recent years as part of broader efforts to strengthen financial governance and compliance with international anti-money laundering standards.