Nepal’s government launched its largest-ever corruption investigation on April 17, 2026, targeting nearly two decades of political leadership. Prime Minister Balen Shah’s administration established a five-member judicial panel to scrutinize the assets of officials who held public office between 2006 and 2025-26.
The probe covers all seven prime ministers who served after 2005-06: Girija Prasad Koirala, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Madhav Kumar Nepal, Jhala Nath Khanal, Baburam Bhattarai, KP Sharma Oli, and Sher Bahadur Deuba. It as well includes prominent leaders from both past governments, such as Khilraj Regmi and Sushila Karki, along with former King Gyanendra Shah.
Three presidents are under examination: Ram Baran Yadav, Vidya Devi Bhandari, and the current president, Ram Chandra Paudel. The investigation extends beyond top leaders to include over 100 ministers, senior bureaucrats, and officials holding constitutional posts.
Crucially, the probe encompasses the entire post-monarchy period, meaning it reviews the assets of deceased leaders as well. Sources indicate this covers almost the entire political leadership since the monarchy ended in 2006. The judicial panel has the authority to examine assets within Prime Minister Shah’s own political sphere.
The order for this investigation came directly from Prime Minister Balen Shah, who assumed office following public demonstrations led by Generation Z activists against corruption. His rise to power followed the defeat of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, whose authority was weakened during those protests.
Simultaneously, Shah and his cabinet have declared their personal assets, sparking public debate and demands for greater transparency. Student activists have called for the disclosure of asset sources and impartial verification to determine how politicians acquired their wealth.
According to asset declarations, Prime Minister Balen Shah holds 14.6 million Nepali rupees in bank deposits (approximately $110,000). His income sources include earnings from digital platforms, reflecting his background as a rapper before entering politics.
Why did Nepal launch this investigation now?
The investigation followed sustained public pressure from Gen Z-led protests that accused political leaders of systemic corruption and nepotism, creating a political environment where Prime Minister Balen Shah felt compelled to order the probe.
What makes this corruption probe historically significant?
It is the first time Nepal has investigated the assets of nearly its entire post-2006 political leadership, including deceased officials, marking an unprecedented scope in the country’s efforts to address historical corruption allegations.