The Armed Police Force (APF) has released 774 electric vehicles (EVs) it had previously impounded, returning them to importers after coordination with the Ministry of Finance.

Deputy Inspector General Netra Bahadur Karki, spokesperson for the APF, said the vehicles were handed over on Saturday.

The EVs were earlier seized from multiple locations, including Kaski, Parbat and Mustang, after authorities launched checks on vehicles imported through the Korala border point with China.

Mustang Customs Office chief Bidur Chudal said vehicles that had completed customs procedures were allowed to proceed. “Those that had already cleared customs and completed legal processes were released to their owners,” he said.

Following the seizure, the Ministry of Finance formed an investigation committee led by under-secretary Bhupalraj Shakya, with representatives from Nepal Police and the APF. The committee has been tasked with examining whether the imports complied with existing laws and procedures.

The probe comes amid allegations that importers rushed large volumes of EVs into the country ahead of anticipated changes in tax rates announced in the federal budget.

Customs officials say 649 units had been cleared through Mustang Customs between May 6 and May 27, just days before the budget presentation on May 29. Importers have maintained that all vehicles were brought in under existing regulations and valid documentation.