Nepal Police arrest six in fake helicopter rescue scam targeting foreign tourists
Summary
Nepal Police arrested six individuals linked to fake helicopter rescues targeting foreign trekkers to fraudulently claim insurance, involving over $22 million.
Key Points
- Nepal police arrested six people connected to three aviation and rescue companies for staging fake helicopter rescues of foreign trekkers.
- The scam involved falsely presenting minor altitude sickness as acute mountain sickness and submitting fabricated medical bills.
- Mountain Rescue Service, Nepal Charter Service, and Everest Experience and Assistance were involved, claiming millions from insurers.
- The total estimated fraud exceeds 2.9 billion Nepali rupees (about $22 million), and further arrests are expected.
