Nepal’s Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has taken a significant step in addressing corruption by formally charging 21 individuals in connection with a high-profile airport construction scandal. Among those accused are two Chinese nationals, highlighting the international dimensions of the case. This development marks the latest chapter in an ongoing investigation into alleged financial misconduct surrounding the China-backed Pokhara airport project, a major infrastructure initiative in Nepal’s key tourism region.
The Pokhara airport, which officially opened its doors in 2023, has been under scrutiny for inflating its construction costs by approximately $75 million. The CIAA’s probe uncovered irregularities in the procurement and contracting processes, which reportedly involved deliberate manipulation and unauthorized approvals. The charges filed on Sunday come after a previous wave of indictments in December 2025, when 55 individuals, including five former government ministers, were implicated. With this latest action, the total number of people formally charged in connection with the airport project has risen to at least 76, underscoring the scale of the alleged corruption.
These legal proceedings follow a turbulent period in Nepal’s political landscape. Earlier this year, the country witnessed the election of a new 275-seat lower house of parliament on March 5, bringing the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) to prominence with a decisive victory. This political shift was largely fueled by widespread public outrage that erupted in September 2025, when youth-led protests against government corruption and economic difficulties culminated in the burning of the parliament building. The unrest initially began as a reaction to a government-imposed social media ban but quickly escalated into a broader movement demanding accountability and reform.
CIAA spokesperson Suresh Neupane, the investigation revealed that approximately $3.08 million was embezzled through fraudulent activities linked to the airport project. Key figures charged include a former tourism secretary, three ex-Director Generals of the Civil Aviation Authority Nepal (CAAN), and the two Chinese citizens, who were allegedly involved in orchestrating the corrupt procurement process. The CIAA released detailed documents exposing how the hiring of a consultancy firm was conducted with “malicious intent” and without the necessary official approvals, further illustrating the depth of the misconduct.
This case sheds light on the broader challenges Nepal faces in combating corruption amid its economic struggles. The World Bank reports that a staggering 82 percent of Nepal’s workforce is engaged in informal employment, while the country’s GDP per capita remains low at $1,447 as of 2024. Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index ranked Nepal 107th out of 180 countries, reflecting persistent governance issues. The Pokhara airport scandal not only highlights systemic vulnerabilities but also the growing demand among Nepalese citizens for transparent governance and institutional reform.
As the investigation continues and legal proceedings advance, the outcome of these charges will be closely watched both within Nepal and internationally. The case serves as a crucial test of Nepal’s commitment to tackling corruption and ensuring accountability in large-scale development projects, especially those involving foreign investment and strategic infrastructure. The recent political changes and public mobilization suggest a shifting tide in Nepal’s fight against corruption, with the new government under the RSP expected to prioritize transparency and good governance moving forward.
