KUALA LUMPUR – Officials from the Nepali government are attempting to extradite an individual suspected of embezzling cooperative funds, who is believed to be currently residing in Malaysia.
However, according to a report from Republica, Nepali authorities appear to be having a tough time extraditing Gitendra Babu Rai due to “poor cooperation from Malaysian officials”.
So far, Nepal has deployed two police officers to Malaysia to negotiate the matter with local authorities.
It is understood that Malaysia’s lack of cooperation stems from Nepal’s refusal in the past to entertain Putrajaya’s diplomatic requests.
Citing sources, Republica said that local authorities here referred to the lack of response by Nepalese authorities when Putrajaya sought the return of 57-year-old Malaysian Mala Vello who was imprisoned in Nepal.
Apparently, Mala went to Nepal after marrying a Nepali here but was abandoned by her husband who refused to register their marriage.
In March 2022, Mala was imprisoned after failing to pay a fine for overstaying her visa, despite Malaysian authorities raising concerns over possible human trafficking with Nepal’s government.
The report now states that the Nepali government has waived her imprisonment sentence and fine.
Gitendra is understood to be a key suspect in two cooperative fraud cases and a warrant has been issued for his arrest from a Nepali court.
He is also believed to be involved in another scandal involving former Nepal Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, who has since been arrested.
Nepali authorities have also obtained a red notice against Gitendra.
The fugitive is alleged to have purchased an RM2.6 million apartment in Desa Kuala Lumpur and is also suspected of operating a shopping mall in Cyberjaya. – October 28, 2024