Kathmandu— A clandestine network supplying young women to hotels across Kathmandu Valley by private vehicles has been exposed, following the arrest of a key intermediary. Police say photographs of at least 50 young women were recovered from the suspect’s mobile phone, indicating the scale of the operation.
According to the District Police Range, Kathmandu, a 39-year-old man, Akash alias Kul Bahadur Karki of Melung Rural Municipality-1, Dolakha—currently residing in Kapan, Budhanilkantha—was arrested after a three-week covert investigation. He was taken into custody by the Gaushala Police Circle on 20 Mangsir from the Saraswatinagar area.
Police spokesperson SP Pawan Kumar Bhattarai confirmed that Karki is being investigated under charges related to human trafficking and smuggling. Investigators say the probe is in its final phase and a case will be filed at Kathmandu District Court within days.
The case, disclosed by journalist Narayan Adhikari of Onlinekhabar, has prompted an intensive police investigation into organized sex trafficking operating within the capital.
Hotels, taxis and middlemen involved
Police investigations reveal that Karki acted as a middleman, coordinating with hotel staff, informal brokers and taxi drivers. He allegedly used his own car—and at times taxis—to transport young women to hotels in Thamel, Gaushala, Gongabu and areas near Tribhuvan International Airport.
Investigators state that Karki shared photographs of young women with hotel intermediaries and taxi drivers. These images were shown to hotel guests, and once a “deal” was confirmed, Karki would either personally deliver the woman to the hotel or arrange transport through taxis. Payments were reportedly negotiated digitally, including through QR codes.
Victims lured with false promises
So far, two young women have formally filed complaints, alleging that Karki initially offered them other forms of work—such as accompanying clients to meals—before coercing them into prostitution. Based on these complaints, police rescued the victims and expanded the investigation, uncovering links to more than 50 women allegedly contacted over time.
Police say the victims were paid only NPR 4,000 to 5,000 per engagement, while Karki collected significantly larger sums. He is accused of using the proceeds to maintain a lavish lifestyle and was living in a rented flat in Kapan. A Swift car registered in his name, allegedly used to transport the victims, has also been seized.
More networks under watch
Investigators believe Karki was not operating alone. Police say he has himself admitted that other groups are active in similar operations across the Valley. While no further arrests have been made so far, surveillance has been intensified.
Although suspicions have also been raised about possible hotel involvement, hotel operators have told police they were unaware of such activities. The investigation into institutional complicity is ongoing.
The case, first brought to light through reporting by Onlinekhabar journalist Narayan Adhikari, has once again highlighted concerns over organized sex trafficking operating discreetly within Kathmandu’s hotel sector.
