The Department of Money Laundering Investigation has issued arrest warrants against former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and former foreign minister Arzu Rana Deuba in connection with a money laundering investigation.

Officials at the Kathmandu District Court said the warrants were issued on Tuesday following approval from the bench of Judge Mahendra Khadka, based on a request from the department.

With the warrants issued, the couple have been placed on a fugitive list. Home ministry sources said the move is part of a process to seek an Interpol red notice, which enables authorities to detain individuals abroad and facilitate their return to Nepal.

The Deuba couple is believed to be in Singapore, according to investigative sources.

The development comes as authorities expand a detailed investigation into alleged money laundering involving three former prime ministers and two former ministers. The Department of Money Laundering Investigation, with support from the Central Investigation Bureau of Nepal Police, has intensified scrutiny after preliminary enquiries found discrepancies in financial and asset records. Former minister Deepak Khadka has already been arrested as part of the probe.

Investigators said the case gathered momentum after burnt fragments of banknotes were recovered from the residences of several leaders following the September 9, 2025 violences. Forensic tests later confirmed the fragments were genuine currency, prompting a full-scale investigation.

Deuba, who has served as prime minister five times, has remained a central figure in Nepali politics since 1991, consistently winning elections from Dadeldhura. He did not contest the most recent House of Representatives elections.

Investigators have also extended scrutiny to members of the Deuba family. Their son Jaiveer Singh Deuba and brother-in-law Bhushan Rana are reported to be outside the country. Authorities had earlier raided Rana’s residence in Jawalakhel, seizing documents and electronic devices as part of the inquiry.