TI Nepal welcomes investigations into fake Bhutanese refugee scam

Kathmandu, The Transparency International (TI) Nepal has welcomed the ongoing investigations into the organised and illegal attempt to send Nepali citizens to the United States as Bhutanese refugees. Stating that the case has seen involvements of high ranking government officials and political leaders, investigations should not be watered down under any influences and pressure, and the case should not be made weak without coordinating collected evidences, warned the TI Nepal in a statement issued by its President Padmini Pradhnanga. It has demanded maximum punishment against those involved in the case irrespective of their jobs or political positions. The efforts of sending Nepali citizens to foreign countries as Bhutanese refugees by forging documents and making them stateless, and swindling are not only related to fraud, loot and human trafficking, but are organised crime and crime against the state, its citizens and humanity, it said. “This is indeed an offense that would tarnish Nepal’s image in the international arena. This is such behaviour that would dent good faiths of our friendly countries. Involvement of senior Executive members and continuation of such evil attempt by the governments one after another have indicated that its root is spread even to the upper level of the State. It is disappointing to Nepal and Nepali people and has posed question,” read the statement.