July 5: The deposits of Nepali nationals in Swiss banks have been increasing of late. The annual report of 2017 published by the Swiss National Bank (SNB) recently has brought this issue to the fore. In 2008, the total amount of money belonging to Nepalis in Swiss banks was 86.21 million Swiss francs. The amount has increased to 320.28 million Swiss francs, according to the report.

The amount has been deposited in the names of various individuals and institutions of Nepal. Although many have termed the amount as ‘black money’, all of the amounts haven’t been earned through illegal means. Out of the total amount in various Swiss banks, Rs 300.72 million francs belong to different banks of Nepal. Likewise, Rs 10.47 million francs belong to various Nepali individuals, according to SNB. However, SNB did not disclose the source of Rs 0.82 million francs.

Informed sources believe that this amount might have been deposited through illegal means.