UK authorities investigate irregularities in GAESO

The UK authorities have started investigation on alleged corruption against the Gurkha Army Ex-Servicemen's Organisation (GAESO) after receiving two separate complaints.

According to UK based newspaper Telegraph Daily, GAESO was accused in British parliament last week of charging impoverished former Nepalese servicemen £500 each for unnecessary resettlement advice before referring the Gurkhas to a British firm of solicitors, under the Legal Aid scheme.

According to report, the UK's ministry of defence, along with the ministry of justice, is investigating the charity's £500 fees and the referrals, mainly to Howe & Co, a London firm which has represented many former Gurkhas in their struggle to be allowed to live in Britain. The news report quoted Howe & Co saying it has not received any money either from GAESO or any Gurkha.

UK government said there was no need to pay these charges because the ministry of defence's Gurkha Settlement Office in Nepal provides such help for free.

Police said the complaint was filed by Bhim Tumbahamphe, a former Gurkha soldier, now living in UK, who has alleged GAESO about serious financial irregularities. In addition, there is another complaint by Gopal Chintan, GAESO's former legal adviser, who filed a formal complaint to the Metropolitan Police over alleged death threats to him from Padam Gurung, after a Gurkha rally in Britain last year.

The paper said it has uncovered deep-rooted divisions and claims of widespread malpractice in GAESO. nepalnews.com