Kathmandu, June 17 -- Former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, Arzu Rana Deuba, have written to the Department of Money Laundering Investigation (DMLI), saying they intend to return to Nepal within two months and urging authorities not to create obstacles that could prevent their return.

The couple, who are under investigation on suspicion of money laundering, sent separate letters to the department via email and courier from Hong Kong, according to officials familiar with the matter. In the letters, they maintain that they are innocent, have not fled the country and are currently abroad for medical treatment.

"We are acting in good faith and are fully prepared to cooperate with the investigation," the letters addressed to...