Nepal police have arrested six individuals linked to three aviation and rescue companies for allegedly staging fake helicopter evacuations of foreign trekkers to defraud international insurers.
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) said the suspects misrepresented minor altitude-related symptoms as acute mountain sickness, carried out unnecessary helicopter evacuations, and submitted fabricated medical bills and supporting documents in coordination with private hospitals, reported The Himalayan Times.
The arrests followed a two-and-a-half-month investigation into Nepal Charter Service, Mountain Rescue Service and Everest Experience and Assistance, according to local media reports.
Police said Mountain Rescue Service carried out 171 fraudulent rescues out of 1,248 evacuations, claiming approximately $10.31m from insurers. Nepal Charter Service conducted 75 fake rescues out of 471 evacuations, with claims of about $8.2m, while Everest Experience and Assistance was linked to 71 suspicious rescues out of 601, generating insurance claims totalling around $11.04m.
Investigators also found that the group submitted multiple insurance claims for single flights, reclassified charter flights as emergency evacuations, and paid commissions through intermediaries. Police estimate the total value of the alleged fraud exceeds approximately $22m.
Further arrests are likely as the investigation continues, warning that the scheme could pose serious risks to Nepal’s international tourism reputation.