U.S. Citizen Arrested at Kathmandu Airport for Attempting to Smuggle Foreign Currency
KATHMANDU, Nepal (KTM) — Ni Yan, a 46-year-old U.S. citizen, was arrested at Tribhuvan International Airport on Saturday for attempting to smuggle illegal foreign currency out of Nepal. The incident took place in the departure hold baggage area as she was preparing to board a Batik Air flight to Malaysia.
During a routine security check, authorities discovered a large sum of foreign currency concealed within her luggage. Among the items seized were $12,748 in U.S. dollars, 249 Singapore dollars, 12,000 Indonesian rupiahs, 100 Malaysian ringgit, as well as 19 mobile phones, 28 SIM cards, and 122 memory cards. The combination of foreign currency and electronics raised suspicions of an illegal attempt to export these goods.
Ni Yan was promptly arrested and taken into police custody for further questioning and investigation. She was transferred to the Gaushala police station for further inquiry, where she will face legal procedures related to the violation of Nepal’s Foreign Exchange (Regulation) Act, 1962. Under this law, individuals are prohibited from carrying foreign currency beyond the prescribed limit without declaration, and exceeding the threshold requires prior approval from Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB).
Nepal’s Foreign Exchange Regulations state that individuals may carry USD 15,000 for healthcare services abroad and USD 25,000 for educational expenses, including tuition fees. Violations of the Customs Act, 2007, which governs the export of foreign currency and goods, can lead to severe penalties, including fines, the confiscation of goods, and potential imprisonment.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the case, and Ni Yan will face the appropriate legal action. The incident highlights the importance of adhering to Nepal’s stringent regulations regarding foreign currency export to prevent illegal activities and safeguard the country’s financial system.
