Nepal Charges 55 in Airport Graft Scandal

Nepal has formally charged 55 individuals, including five former government ministers, with corruption. The accusations center on the inflated construction costs of the Pokhara International Airport, a project undertaken by China CAMC Engineering. Authorities allege that executives from the Chinese state-owned company colluded with Nepali politicians and bureaucrats to overstate the project's expenses by $75 million.

The charges stem from a monthslong investigation that corroborated earlier reports of cost inflation and compromised quality control by China CAMC Engineering. This airport, considered a key project under China's Belt and Road Initiative, has become a symbol of the potential pitfalls of heavily relying on Chinese financing for infrastructure. The airport's financial viability is questionable, as projected international flights have not commenced, hindering loan repayment.

This marks one of the largest corruption cases brought forth by Nepal's anti-graft commission. The legal process is expected to unfold over several months. The case's implications for Nepal's relationship with China are significant, potentially ushering in a new era of demand for greater transparency in bilateral dealings.