Controversial businessman Deepak Bhatta placed on immigration blacklist
According to officials, Bhatta was added to the watchlist on Monday following a letter from the Department of Money Laundering Investigation.
KATHMANDU: The Department of Immigration has blacklisted controversial businessman Deepak Bhatta as investigations into money laundering charges against him intensify.
According to officials, Bhatta was added to the watchlist on Monday following a letter from the Department of Money Laundering Investigation.
Authorities said the decision was taken due to concerns that he might attempt to flee the country.
As a result, Bhatta must now obtain government approval before traveling abroad.
Being on the immigration blacklist automatically bars him from leaving Nepal without prior permission from the relevant authorities or the government.
Bhatta, head of Infinity Holdings, has faced allegations of leveraging close ties with political leaders and public officials to influence public procurement, hydropower projects, bank and insurance licensing, and tax policies.
He has been under investigation by the Money Laundering Investigation Department since Mangsir 2079.
Preliminary statements were recorded in Poush 2079, but the probe was reportedly stalled at that time. Sources say the case has been reactivated following recent political changes.
The Financial Information Unit of Nepal Rastra Bank had already flagged suspicious transactions linked to Bhatt in 2079, noting irregular dealings amounting to billions of rupees in his accounts, signaling the need for further investigation.
Bhatta and Infinity Holdings are also accused of involvement in controversial cases, including arms procurement for security agencies, attempts to influence hydropower projects, tax exemptions, and financial policy decisions.
