KATHMANDU: Suspicious transactions and activities linked to money laundering saw a sharp rise of 49 percent in 2024, according to a new report by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) under Nepal Rastra Bank.

The FIU, in its annual newsletter released on Tuesday, revealed that a total of 9,304 Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) were filed throughout 2024.

This marks a significant increase from the 6,255 reports received in 2023, as per the data compiled from January to December.

These reports were submitted by various reporting institutions in compliance with the Asset (Money) Laundering Prevention Act, 2064 (2008).

Of the total reports received in 2024, the FIU analyzed 1,894 cases.

Among them, 1,086 were forwarded to law enforcement and regulatory agencies for further investigation and possible action.

The remaining 808 reports have been archived, with the possibility of re-analysis should new information surface.

The report also noted a rise in the number of threshold transaction reports submitted by institutions.

In 2023, a total of 1,783,183 such transactions were reported.

That number climbed to 1,972,855 in 2024, indicating growing scrutiny over financial activities that cross reporting limits.

FIU’s findings suggest a growing trend in suspicious financial behavior, prompting increased monitoring and investigation into potential money laundering practices in the country.