Banking Offenses Account for Highest Share of Criminal Cases

Banking offenses topped the list of criminal cases registered across the country last month, accounting for 25.22 percent of the total cases. Out of 4,468 reported crimes in Falgun (mid-February to mid-March), 1,127 were related to banking offenses, with cheque bounce cases making up the majority.

According to Deputy Inspector General of Police Dinesh Kumar Acharya, the spokesperson for Nepal Police, the Kathmandu Valley witnessed a significant rise in criminal activities, particularly banking-related crimes. The state-run national news agency RSS also reported an increase in crimes related to the misuse of social media.

In addition to banking offenses, 521 cases of crimes against public interest, health, safety, and morality were recorded. Suicide-related offenses accounted for 501 cases, followed by 419 drug-related crimes, 286 cases of theft, 168 rape cases, 162 fraud cases, 154 vehicular homicide cases, 71 attempted murders, and 42 murders.

Kathmandu Valley recorded the highest number of cases at 1,337, followed by Madhes Province (711), Koshi (665), Lumbini (612), Bagmati (376), Gandaki (323), Sudurpaschim (279), and Karnali (161). (With inputs from RSS)

Government Tightens Laws on Banking Offenses

With cheque bounce cases surging in recent years, the government has moved to strengthen legal provisions against banking crimes. In early February, the House of Representatives (HoR) unanimously passed an amendment to the Banking Offenses and Punishment Act, 2064, presented by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel.

DPM Paudel argued that the revised law aims to create a stronger legal framework for investigating, prosecuting, and penalizing financial crimes, including cheque-related fraud. The amendment introduces stricter punishments for offenders to enhance public confidence in the banking system and maintain financial stability.

What Constitutes a Banking Offense?

A banking offense refers to crimes committed against the banking and financial system. Globally, such offenses are treated as serious crimes to protect depositors' rights, ensure quality banking services, and uphold financial stability.

What is a Cheque Bounce?

A cheque bounce occurs when a person issues a cheque without sufficient funds in their bank account. If a cheque is dishonored, the recipient must file a case in court within six months. Under the Banking Offenses Act, 2064, courts can impose fines and other penalties on the issuer if found guilty. The newly amended law is expected to impose stricter penalties for such offenses.