Cyber Crime in Nepal 2026: Law, Types & How to Report

As Nepal rapidly digitizes its economy and public services, cyber crime has emerged as a serious concern for individuals, businesses, and government agencies alike. From phishing scams and identity theft to online fraud and data breaches, the range of cyber offences is growing every year.

Understanding your rights under Nepal's cyber laws is essential — whether you are a victim seeking justice or a business owner looking to protect sensitive data. This guide covers the legal framework, common types of cyber crimes, penalties, and how to report incidents in Nepal.

Nepal's primary legislation governing cyber crime is the Electronic Transactions Act, 2063 (2008). This act defines electronic records, digital signatures, and computer-related offences. It was enacted to regulate electronic transactions and to prevent misuse of computer systems and digital data.

Key provisions include: unauthorized access to computer systems (Section 44), damage to computer source code (Section 45), publication of illegal content in electronic media (Section 47), and computer fraud (Section 46). The act also establishes the Electronic Transaction Tribunal to hear disputes and cases related to cyber offences.

In addition, the National Penal Code, 2074 (2017) contains supplementary provisions relating to identity theft, forgery of electronic documents, and privacy violations that complement the Electronic Transactions Act.

Phishing & Social Engineering: Fraudsters send fake emails or messages pretending to be banks, government offices, or service providers to steal personal information, passwords, or banking credentials. Always verify the sender before clicking links.

Online Financial Fraud: Unauthorized transactions through mobile banking, e-wallets (eSewa, Khalti), or credit/debit cards. Victims should immediately contact their bank and file a police report.

Identity Theft: Using someone's personal information — citizenship number, PAN, photographs — without consent for fraudulent purposes such as loan applications or fake accounts.

Cyberbullying & Harassment: Threatening, defaming, or harassing individuals through social media, messaging apps, or online platforms. This includes non-consensual sharing of private images.

Hacking & Unauthorized Access: Breaking into computer systems, websites, or networks without authorization to steal data, deface websites, or disrupt services.

Data Breach & Privacy Violations: Unauthorized access, collection, or disclosure of personal or corporate data stored in digital systems.

Under the Electronic Transactions Act, penalties range from fines of NPR 50,000 to NPR 200,000, and imprisonment ranging from six months to five years depending on the nature and severity of the offence.

Unauthorized computer access carries a fine up to NPR 200,000 or imprisonment up to three years, or both. Damage to computer source code can result in imprisonment up to three years and a fine up to NPR 200,000. Publishing obscene or illegal content electronically can lead to a fine up to NPR 100,000 or five years imprisonment for a first offence, with higher penalties for repeat offenders.

Step 1: Preserve evidence — take screenshots, save URLs, download emails, and record any relevant communication before the content is deleted.

Step 2: File an FIR at your local police station or directly at the Nepal Police Cyber Bureau, located in Bhotahiti, Kathmandu. You can also visit their website at cyberbureaunepal.org.np for online complaint registration.

Step 3: Provide all evidence including screenshots, transaction records, device details, and any witness information.

Step 4: Contact your bank immediately if financial fraud is involved — request a transaction freeze or reversal. Banks are required to cooperate with law enforcement in fraud investigations.

Step 5: Consult a legal professional if the case involves significant financial loss or ongoing harassment. NotaryIn can help notarize affidavits and sworn statements required for legal proceedings related to cyber crime.

If you are a victim of cyber crime and need to file legal documents — affidavits, sworn statements, complaint letters, or evidence declarations — NotaryIn provides fast, certified notarization services. We can notarize affidavits for cyber crime complaints, certify digital evidence printouts, and provide translation services if the case involves international parties.

Contact us via WhatsApp at +977 986-7571371 or visit our office at Anamnagar, Kathmandu for assistance.