Five Investigated Over Alleged Israel Job Scam Using Fake Cabinet Decision

Dragon Media Correspondent

Nepal Police’s Central Investigation Bureau is investigating five people accused of collecting money by showing fake government documents and promising to arrange caregiver jobs in Israel. Investigators say the alleged scheme targeted people on the waiting list for Nepal’s 2024 caregiver examination, conducted under a government-to-government arrangement between Nepal and Israel.

According to police, the suspects showed forged documents claiming that a special Cabinet decision would allow 156 people on the waiting list to travel to Israel immediately. They allegedly sought up to Rs 620,000 per person, claiming access to the prime minister’s chief adviser.

The bureau has received complaints from 22 people who say they were defrauded of a total of more than Rs 65 million. The bureau has urged other potential victims to contact it and file complaints, saying the number of complainants may rise.

Those arrested in connection with the investigation are Bharat Chaulagain, Balika Shivakoti, Gyan Bahadur Karki, Shivaram Shrestha and Binita Khadka. The Kathmandu District Court ordered that Khadka be investigated without being held in custody. The order did not halt the investigation.

Police initially investigated the case as fraud. The bureau later added charges related to criminal benefit and organised crime. The allegations against those under investigation have yet to be established through the legal process.