Police on Monday arrested a Nepali Congress (NC) leader in connection with the 88kg gold smuggling case.

Man Bahadur Tamang of Rasuwa, who has been recommended by the ruling NC as its candidate under the proportional representation category, was arrested from Swoyambhu in the Capital by a team of security personnel deployed by the Metropolitan Police Crime Division (MPCD).

According to police, Tamang, also the chairman of Nepal-Kerung Business Association, was the first point of contact of the Chinese gold smugglers. Police had seized 88kg gold, which was smuggled from China into Nepal via the Rasuwa-Kerung border point, from Chhetrapati of Kathmandu on September 4.

MPCD chief SSP Dibesh Lohani confirmed the arrest but refused to give details, saying the matter is under investigation.

Multiple officers investigating the case said those who were arrested earlier had taken Tamang’s name as the point person.

“Our investigation shows Tamang is among the kingpins of gold smuggling rackets operating in Nepal and China,” said an investigating official requesting anonymity. “He was constantly in touch with the Chinese couple—the owners of the smuggled gold.”

The official added that after the seven-member police team picked up Tamang, he had made various calls to some Congress leaders, informing them about his arrest and urging to secure his release.

Police so far have arrested nine persons, including Tamang, in connection with the gold smuggling case.

Manoj Adhikari of Makawanpur, the driver of a Tata Storme jeep in which the gold bars were hidden, was arrested immediately after police seized the precious yellow metal on September 4.

Dilip Khadka and Dampa Tamang of Rasuwa, also drivers, were also arrested later.

Police investigation shows gold traders have been buying the precious metal from the smugglers. Police have also arrested Satya Narayan Agrawal, Ganesh Dutta Badu, Subha Ratna Shakya, Nanda Kumar Margala and Dinkar Salukhe.

According to police, two Chinese nationals including Pan Weiming with passport number G40892296 and Yang Wenbing with passport number G40892297 are the owners of the gold. They operate a hotel in Thamel.