Nepal Police Launches Special Committee to Investigate Human Trafficking Allegations
The Nepal Police’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has established a dedicated committee to look into allegations of human trafficking involving individuals who traveled to Spain under the guise of attending a United Nations conference. The panel, led by Senior Superintendent of Police Hobindra Bogati, includes investigators from the Bureau of Human Trafficking and Transportation Control. Bogati emphasized that the committee aims to deliver its findings to the police headquarters once the investigation is complete.
This move comes in response to growing concerns that an organized network may have exploited government systems to smuggle people into Europe. The issue was brought to light during a meeting chaired by Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, where he instructed officials to investigate claims related to the recent high-level visit to Spain.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli led a 21-member official delegation to Seville, Spain, for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, which was hosted by the United Nations. The delegation left on June 28 and returned on July 4. However, reports suggest that approximately 82 individuals traveled to Spain around the same time, presenting themselves as conference participants. Additionally, 55 others were intercepted at Tribhuvan International Airport.
Many of those who reached Spain are believed to have remained there or crossed into other European countries like Portugal, raising suspicions of a larger trafficking operation. According to sources, the suspected network may have charged substantial fees to arrange travel and entry into Europe using forged documents and unofficial channels.
Home Minister Lekhak previously directed the Nepal Police and relevant agencies to identify who authorized these individuals’ travel and through which organizations the visas were secured. The probe committee is expected to examine whether any government officials were involved in facilitating this movement.
The incident has sparked public outrage and political scrutiny, with opposition lawmakers bringing the matter to Parliament. While all members of the official delegation have returned, immigration officials remain uncertain about the whereabouts of others who obtained visas under the program.
Key Details of the Case
- Official Delegation: Led by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, the group included 21 members who attended the UN conference in Seville.
- Unofficial Travelers: Around 82 individuals reportedly traveled to Spain during the same period, claiming to be conference participants.
- Intercepted Individuals: 55 others were stopped at Tribhuvan International Airport, suggesting possible attempts to enter the country illegally.
- Suspected Network: Reports indicate that a trafficking organization may have used forged documents and unofficial channels to assist individuals in entering Europe.
- Government Involvement: Authorities are investigating whether any officials were complicit in arranging the travel or securing visas for these individuals.
Public and Political Response
The case has drawn significant attention from both the public and political circles. Opposition lawmakers have raised questions about the transparency and accountability of the government’s actions. The situation has also prompted calls for stricter controls on visa issuance and greater oversight of international travel by government officials.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on uncovering the full extent of the alleged trafficking network and identifying any potential breaches of protocol. The outcomes of the inquiry could have far-reaching implications for how Nepal manages international delegations and ensures the security of its citizens traveling abroad.
