Insurance Scam Uncovered in Nepal’s Everest Expeditions; Guides, Helicopter Firms Among Accused

A major insurance fraud linked to Mount Everest expeditions has been uncovered in Nepal, exposing a well-organized network involving trekking guides, helicopter companies, and hospital staff. The alleged scam, estimated at around ₹165 crore, has raised serious concerns about safety practices in high-altitude tourism.

According to Nepal Police’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), a total of 32 individuals are suspected to be involved in the racket. Authorities have arrested nine accused so far and filed a chargesheet on March 12, 2026, marking a significant breakthrough in the investigation.

Officials revealed that trekking guides allegedly made climbers intentionally ill by mixing baking soda into their food. This led to severe stomach-related issues among tourists, who were then warned of life-threatening conditions. The accused reportedly convinced them that immediate evacuation via expensive helicopter rescue was the only option.

Following this, the affected climbers were airlifted to hospitals in Kathmandu. Inflated bills were then generated for helicopter rescue and medical treatment, which were subsequently claimed from insurance companies, leading to massive fraudulent payouts.

Investigators have found that between 2022 and 2025, more than 300 such fake rescue operations were carried out by the involved helicopter companies. The scale and sophistication of the scam have shocked authorities and the tourism sector alike.

The case has highlighted the urgent need for stricter regulation and monitoring of expedition services in Nepal, particularly in high-risk regions like Everest, to protect both tourists and the integrity of the country’s adventure tourism industry.

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