Nepal, March 30 -- A detailed investigation has been launched against three former prime ministers and two former ministers over alleged money laundering offences, with authorities intensifying scrutiny following months of preliminary enquiries that uncovered discrepancies in financial and asset records.

The Department of Money Laundering Investigation (DMLI), with the assistance of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police, has initiated an in-depth probe against former prime ministers Sher Bahadur Deuba, KP Sharma Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal, as well as former ministers Arzu Rana Deuba and Deepak Khadka.

Last week, the department dispatched a letter to the Police Headquarters seeking support with investigation. Acting on t...