The months-long joint investigation, involving several agencies of the United States and Nepal, led to the return of Nepal’s rare artifact, Patan’s status of Vasudeva Kamalaja, to Nepali authorities. 

The status had gone missing some 40 years ago and was then smuggled to the United States. Officials from the Nepal Police, Federal Investigation Bureau (FBI) of the United States, and other agencies also conducted a months-long joint investigation to retrieve the stolen statue. 

“The statue handover ceremony was conducted at the Nepali Embassy in Washington, DC on March 05, in presence of Nepali Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Yuba Raj Khatiwada, and FBI and US State Department officials,” reads by a statement released by Nepal’s US embassy.  

Randy Berry, the US ambassador to Nepal, said, "I'm thrilled the Laxmi-Narayana statue will finally return to where it belongs – in the hands of Nepalis. The United States will work with Nepal to see other items, which are so important to Nepali culture, religion, and history returned. I hope other governments, museums, and collectors do the same."

The status is believed to be dated between the 12th and 15th centuries.