Kathmandu-The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) on Monday filed another corruption case at the Special Court against 12 individuals and two companies over alleged irregularities in the e-passport procurement process.

Among those charged are Passport Department Director General Tirtharaj Aryal, Siddhartha Thapa and Manindra Raj Malla, representatives of German companies involved in the passport contract.

Thapa is the Nepal representative of Veridos, the German company that secured the e-passport contract, while Malla represents German firm Mulbauer. The CIAA has arrested Malla, whereas Thapa is reportedly out of contact.

According to the CIAA charge sheet, bid terms and conditions were altered in violation of the Public Procurement Act, 2063 BS, and the Public Procurement Regulations, 2064 BS.

The anti-graft body alleged that bids were evaluated with malicious intent, contrary to approved criteria, and that technical and financial assessments were conducted in breach of prevailing laws, resulting in improper recommendations and decisions.

The CIAA stated that its investigation confirmed offences under Section 8(1) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2059 BS.

The anti-corruption watchdog has sought recovery of Rs 10.13 billion from the accused in connection with the alleged procurement irregularities.