ARREST OF INDIAN GANG LEADER HIGHLIGHTS THE

UNCLAS KATHMANDU 002257 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR SCA/INS, DRL E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: SMIG SOCI PGOV NP SUBJECT: ARREST OF INDIAN GANG LEADER HIGHLIGHTS THE GOVERNMENT OF NEPAL'S FIGHT AGAINST TRAFFICKING 1.(U) On August 9, the Nepal Police arrested an Indian gang leader named Anil Sharma, also known as Pappu Yadav, on human trafficking charges. The police arrested him outside of the Central Jail premises in Kathmandu and transferred him to a jail in the Morang District. ¶2. (U) The Nepal Police had arrested Sharma in Kathmandu several years ago for smuggling 23 grams of raw heroin and sentenced him to three years in the Central Jail, Kathmandu. This new arrest followed. According to Nepal's extradition treaty with India, it is possible that Sharma can be sent back to India for punishment; however, Nepal usually holds on to Indian prisoners in criminal cases. ¶2. (U) Sharma also appeared to have been engaged in kidnapping for ransom. Newspapers claimed a Nepali business man had paid $13 million rupees ($175,650) to escape from Sharma. ¶2. (U) Comment: Sharma's arrest underscores the Government of Nepal's efforts to counter trafficking in persons and transnational crime. MORIARTY