KATHMANDU: The Central Investigation Bureau of Nepal has nabbed a Chinese national, the alleged mastermind of the August 30 seizure of 15 kg gold. Superintendent of Police Jeevan Shrestha, CIB spokesperson, said police in association with Immigration Office, arrested Ze Zhong, 40, from Tribhuvan International Airport after she arrived here from Chendu of China on Tuesday. The official informed that the arrest of the mastermind, who allegedly smuggled 22 kg gold to Nepal from China, could help the CIB crack the gold smuggling racket. CIB had been able to seize only 15 kg of the 22 kg gold received by the Nepali racketeers from their Chinese ‘boss’ operating from the northern neighbour. Although the Central Investigation Bureau arrested seven persons with undeclared hallmark gold smuggled via Nepal-China border of Rasuwagadhi, the mastermind of the organised crime had been absconding. Chair of Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality Raj Kumar Paudel, who was also arrested in connection with the case, was released on bail later.  SP Shrestha said the Chinese woman used to smuggle gold in cahoots with Paudel. READ ALSO:

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