Case Filed Against 27, Including Former Minister Bikram Pandey, Over PPMO e-GP System Hacking Case
बैशाख २८, २०८३ १२:२
Kathmandu. The Kathmandu District Attorney’s Office has filed a case against 27 individuals, including former minister and construction entrepreneur Bikram Pandey, for allegedly gaining unauthorized access to the electronic government procurement (e-GP) system of the Public Procurement Monitoring Office (PPMO), manipulating contract details, and conducting illegal cryptocurrency transactions. The charge sheet was filed at the Kathmandu District Court on Friday based on an investigation carried out by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police.
According to the charge sheet, the investigation revealed that a total of 27 people were involved in this offense, including 22 defendants, such as computer operator Diwakar Deuja from the Intensive Urban and Building Construction Project in Dhankuta, along with five absconding individuals. The charge sheet states that Diwakar Deuja, identified as the main planner, misused the technical knowledge he acquired as a government employee to create a backdoor for system access and, in collaboration with other defendants, used malicious code to influence the contract process.
The investigation further revealed that the group created a fake identity named “Jiban Limbu” and contacted contractors through social media platforms and email, promising to secure contracts in exchange for money. Financial transactions were allegedly carried out using Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency wallets. Police said defendants, including Sanjay Bhatta and Bhashkar Raj Aryal, facilitated the cryptocurrency transactions and transferred large sums through multiple Bitcoin wallets.
Authorities revealed that directors of several construction companies participating in public procurement processes hired the group to lower bid rates or ensure contract awards, while gang members received commissions in return. During raids conducted at different locations, police seized mobile phones, laptops, hard drives, and other electronic devices linked to the case.
The charge sheet seeks legal action under Sections 45 and 46 of the Electronic Transactions Act, 2063, Section 262(A) of the National Criminal Code, 2074, the Organized Crime Control Act, 2070, and other provisions related to electronic crimes. Prosecutors have accused the defendants of illegally accessing and manipulating government records, causing losses to the state, and conducting unlawful cryptocurrency transactions.
The Kathmandu District Attorney’s Office has demanded compensation, fines, and imprisonment for the accused. The court has already taken most defendants into custody for statements, while arrest warrants have been issued against the five absconding individuals. Further investigation into the case is ongoing.
पछिल्लो अध्यावधिक: बैशाख २८, २०८३ १२:२
