Seven years on, fake rescue racket still flies in Nepal’s Himalayas
Summary
Seven years after the government claimed to have stopped intermediaries in emergency evacuation services, Nepal's fake rescue insurance fraud has grown, involving trekking guides, rescue companies, and hospitals scampering millions of dollars.
Key Points
- The fake rescue insurance fraud in Nepal’s Himalayas has persisted and grown despite a 2018 government crackdown.
- Nepal Police’s Central Investigation Bureau arrested six executives from helicopter rescue and tour companies for producing fake insurance documents.
- The scam involves collusion among trekking guides, rescue companies, tour operators, and hospitals to fabricate rescue and medical documents to claim insurance.
- The fraud damaged Nepal's international tourism reputation, with insurance companies and global organizations labeling Nepal as a risky destination.
