Reports have emerged that Chinese gold smuggling syndicates are expanding their roots in Nepal, revealing a complex web of illegal activities that involve multiple nationalities and large quantities of gold.

One startling discovery was that a Chinese gold smuggler was found carrying both Indian and Nepalese identity cards, raising questions about the depth of these smuggling networks and their operations across borders.

In one of the most recent cases, Nepalese authorities seized 60 kg of smuggled gold. These incidents are no longer isolated. Nepal Police have registered a case against 29 individuals involved in this particular smuggling scheme. While 60 kg of gold was confiscated, officials suspect the smugglers may have successfully smuggled 362 kg of gold before being caught. According to reports, the gold originated from Hong Kong, brought to Nepal through Brak Su, and was recovered from Sinamangal on July 3.

A significant portion of the gold smuggled into Nepal is later trafficked to India, making the cross-border trade a key concern. In another high-profile case, Chinese citizen Terence Tse, owner of Waldo Casino in Nepal, was arrested last month on charges of money laundering and gold smuggling. A case has been filed against Tse and 60 other individuals.

The gold smuggling network does not solely involve Chinese nationals. Nepalese and Indian individuals are also implicated in the operation. One Chinese national, linked to the network, was discovered transferring $52,000 abroad through a casino—just one small part of a larger, intricate system.

An interesting case also involved the smuggling of 100 kg of gold, which was intended for a company registered under a Nepali daily wage worker, illustrating the widespread involvement of unsuspecting individuals in these networks.

Authorities warn that gold smuggling may have ties to terrorism, adding another layer of urgency to addressing this illicit trade