Suspicious transactions related to money laundering surge by around 50 percent

KATHMANDU, MAY 20: The Financial Information Unit (FIU) of Nepal Rastra Bank has reported an alarming increase in suspicious transactions related to money laundering and associated activities in 2024. The annual report was made public today.

According to the FIU, the number of suspicious transaction reports (STRs) and activities submitted by firms listed under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2064 reached 9,304 in 2024—up from 6,255 in 2023—marking a sharp rise of 49 percent.

During the reporting period, a total of 1,894 STRs were analyzed. Of these, 1,086 cases were forwarded to the concerned agencies for further investigation and necessary action. The remaining 808 cases were archived for potential future analysis.

The institutions listed with NRB submitted approximately 1.97 million transaction records in 2024, up from 1.7 million in 2023.

The number of institutions involved in anti-money laundering compliance also grew, reaching 1,905 in 2024 compared to 1,496 in the previous year.