Cybercrime in Nepal

Cybercrime is one of the fastest-growing areas of criminal activity. In Nepal, there are few lawyers who advocate on issues of cybercrime. Cases of cybercrime in Nepal are commenced by the Government of Nepal as the plaintiff and are presumed to be included in Schedule 1 of the Government Cases Act, 2049 B.S.

Definition

Cybercrime is an act of creating, distributing, altering, stealing, misusing, and destroying information through the computer manipulation of cyberspace, without the use of physical force and against the will or interest of the victim. The Electronic Transactions Act (ETA) has not defined cybercrime explicitly.

Cybercrime Laws in Nepal

Cybercrime Laws in Nepal

In Nepal, the Nepal Police began implementing the Electronic Transactions Act 2063 to combat cybercrime. Section 47 of the Act is the most commonly utilized to prevent cybercrime in Nepal. This section states that if a person publishes or exhibits information that violates morals, etiquette, hostility, or malice on a computer, the internet, or other electronic media, the offender may face a fine of one lakh rupees or imprisonment for up to five years, or both.

Other Offenses and Punishments

  • Unauthorized Access to Computer Materials – Fine up to NPR 200,000 or imprisonment up to 3 years, or both.
  • Damage to any Computer and Information System – Fine up to NPR 200,000 or imprisonment up to 3 years, or both.
  • Publication of Illegal Materials in Electronic Form – Fine up to NPR 100,000 or imprisonment up to 5 years, or both.
  • Informing False Statements – Fine up to NPR 100,000 or imprisonment up to 2 years, or both.
  • Computer Fraud – Fine up to NPR 100,000 or imprisonment up to 2 years, or both.
  • Computer-Related Offense – Fine up to NPR 50,000 or imprisonment up to 6 months, or both.
  • Punishment to the Accomplice – Half of the principal offender’s punishment.
  • Offense Committed by a Corporate Body – The responsible chief officer may be held accountable unless proven otherwise.
  • Offense Committed Outside Nepal – If the offense involves a Nepalese system, legal action may still be taken.

Complaint of Cybercrime

To report a cybercrime in Nepal, follow these steps:

  • Contact the Cyber Bureau: The Cyber Bureau is responsible for handling cybercrime cases in Nepal.
  • Email: Email at cyberbureau@nepalpolice.gov.np including all the details, evidence, and relevant information about the incident.