Nepal Court Issues Arrest Warrants for Former PM and His Wife in Money Laundering Case

In a significant legal development, a Nepalese court has issued arrest warrants for former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, Arzu Deuba Rana, amid ongoing money laundering investigations. The couple is believed to be in Singapore, and the investigation was prompted by the discovery of burnt banknotes at their residence. With Deuba being a prominent political figure and having served multiple terms as prime minister, this case could have major implications for Nepali politics. If they do not comply with the court's orders, further legal actions may follow, including the possibility of a red corner notice.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 8, 2026, 21:58 IST

Arrest Warrants Issued

A court in Nepal has taken significant action by issuing arrest warrants for Sher Bahadur Deuba, a former prime minister, and his spouse, Arzu Deuba Rana, who previously held the position of foreign minister. This development, reported by various media outlets on Wednesday, stems from ongoing investigations into money laundering allegations against the couple.

The Kathmandu District Court authorized these warrants on Tuesday, following a formal request from the Department of Money Laundering, which is currently scrutinizing the couple's financial assets. According to reports from The Kathmandu Post, it is believed that the Deuba couple is currently residing in Singapore.

The investigation was initiated after authorities discovered charred banknotes at their home in Budhanilkantha, located on the outskirts of Kathmandu, back in September. Sher Bahadur Deuba has been a prominent figure in Nepali politics since 1991, having served as prime minister on five separate occasions. His wife, Arzu, was part of the K P Sharma Oli administration, which was ousted in September of the previous year amid widespread protests.

During these protests, the couple sustained serious injuries when their residence was set ablaze by demonstrators. Should they fail to respond to the warrants, legal measures may escalate, potentially leading to the issuance of a red corner notice, as reported by The Himalayan Times.