Banking Offences Top Crime Charts in Nepal, Majority Cases from Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu – Banking offences have become the most frequently reported crimes in Nepal over the past 10 months, with 11,048 cases recorded since mid-July 2024, according to data from the Nepal Police Headquarters. Alarmingly, nearly 60 per cent of these crimes occurred within the Kathmandu valley.

According to the police spokesperson SSP Ramesh Thapa, banking fraud now tops the list of reported crimes nationwide and out of the total cases, 59.25 per cent were registered in the Kathmandu valley.

The surge in such crimes is being linked to several underlying issues, including the rapid growth of digital banking, low financial literacy, and regulatory loopholes. The capital, as the country’s economic hub, naturally sees a higher volume of transactions—making it a prime target for financial fraud.

Cases involve forged and bounced cheques, fake loan documents, and online scams. Officials have also raised concerns about weak cybersecurity and limited user awareness in digital banking platforms, which have further fueled the problem.

Police cited slow legal processes and insufficient punitive measures as additional reasons for repeat offences. Many offenders reportedly exploit legal delays and often settle cases outside of court, undermining formal justice procedures.

Banking Offences and Punishment Act includes fines and jail terms, especially for cheque bounce cases. Law enforcement has called for enhanced coordination with financial institutions, improved verification systems, and nationwide awareness campaigns.