Man Arrested for Extorting Rs 100,000 Per Person Claiming ‘Setting’ at Immigration Department; Here’s How He Was Caught (Video)

March 26, Kathmandu – A man was arrested on charges of extorting Rs 100,000 per person by claiming that a ‘setting’ was necessary at the Immigration Department of Tribhuvan International Airport for those wanting to travel abroad.

Jagat Gurung, a resident of Lamjung, was apprehended on Wednesday in collaboration between the Immigration Department and the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of the police. Director General of Immigration Ramchandra Tiwari provided information that Gurung was caught at K & C International Pvt. Ltd, a manpower agency located in Lazimpat.

The operation was launched after receiving reports that Gurung was demanding money from those eager to leave the country, saying a ‘setting’ at immigration was necessary. He was caught in possession of Rs 100,000 and is being prepared for transfer to the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office at Teku for further investigation.

Mingmar Dorje Sherpa (43) and his wife, residing in Solukhumbu’s Dudhkunda Rural Municipality–2, were involved in this case. His sister has been doing business in South Korea and had initiated the D-8 (Investor) visa process for Mingmar and his wife, Dawa Jangmu Lama (41), to go to Korea.

On February 26 (14 Falgun), Mingmar and his wife visited the South Korean Embassy at Rabi Bhawan to apply for their D-8 visas. While preparing the necessary documents, Mingmar came into contact with a person named Nabin, who was outside the embassy.

Recently, Nabin told Mingmar that the Immigration Department might block their visa process and introduced him to the now-arrested Jagat. According to Mingmar, he was then asked for money to arrange the ‘setting’ at immigration.

“After completing the documentation, I was put in touch with Jagat through Nabin. Then I was told that a ‘setting’ at immigration is required, and I was asked for money,” Mingmar said.

Fourteen days after this incident, on March 10, the couple received their Korea visa. However, Jagat repeatedly contacted them, warning that without the proper ‘setting’ at immigration, they would not be allowed to depart for Korea.

Upon receiving the visa, Mingmar returned to Solukhumbu but was soon called back, being urged to meet quickly. According to Mingmar, even after returning to Kathmandu, Jagat allegedly instilled fears by saying the visa would not include a work permit, immigration might stop or return them, ticket costs could be lost, or the visa could be canceled.

They had already booked Thai Air tickets for March 26 at a rate of Rs 110,000 per person, totaling Rs 220,000 for the two. Jagat threatened them that if they did not pay for the ‘setting’ at immigration, they would be sent back.

“The flight was scheduled for the next day, and I was warned that without payment, I would be returned from immigration. This caused me immense stress. After informing a known employee, I was advised to go to immigration personally. Upon visiting this morning, it became clear that I was being defrauded using the name of the Immigration Department,” Mingmar explained.

Mingmar filed a complaint today at the Immigration Department about the extortion attempt. Following this, Director General Tiwari coordinated with the CIB to arrest Jagat, who was demanding the money.

Jagat was arrested after receiving Rs 100,000 immediately, with the remaining amount to be paid the next day. The arrest was made from Lazimpat in cooperation with the CIB, and he was brought to the Immigration office.

Director General Tiwari urged everyone to be vigilant against those openly demanding money by using the name of the Immigration Department.

“Immigration should not stop anyone who has completed the necessary documents from leaving the country. If anyone demands money claiming it is necessary for immigration or to avoid blockage, I urge all to report it,” Tiwari stated.