Everest Guides Suspected of Poisoning Clients in Massive Rescue Scam

Nepalese authorities have charged 32 people in an alleged fake rescue and insurance fraud scheme tied to trekking routes around Everest. Police say the network used staged medical emergencies, forged paperwork, and inflated helicopter evacuation claims to siphon nearly $20 million from international insurers between 2022 and 2025.

The Alleged Crimes

According to Nepal Police investigators, the case reaches across the trekking industry, including trekking agency owners, helicopter operators, hospital executives, and guides. Kathmandu District Court spokesperson Dipak Kumar Shrestha said a charge sheet has been filed and the court is recording statements. Nine suspects were produced before the court, while 23 others were described as absconding.

Police allege some trekkers were deliberately made ill to justify costly evacuations. Investigators said guides used baking soda to cause gastrointestinal distress that could resemble altitude sickness or food poisoning. Authorities also allege some trekkers were given medication with excessive amounts of water to trigger symptoms that pushed them toward a helicopter rescue.

Once a rescue was triggered, operators allegedly billed each passenger as if they had taken a separate helicopter flight, even when multiple people were flown together. Investigators also say that forged medical and flight documents were used to support insurance claims, while some hospitals created false admission and treatment records.

How Big the Case Is

Police told reporters the alleged scheme affected 4,782 international climbers between 2022 and 2025 and involved more than 300 suspicious or fake rescues. Authorities valued the alleged fraud at about $19.69 million. Anadolu, citing the court spokesperson, reported that prosecutors are seeking Rs 1.51 billion from the accused, with penalties varying by person and offense.

Police records cited by local reporting said 171 of 1,248 rescues arranged by Mountain Rescue Service appeared fake. The same reporting said 75 of 471 rescues by Nepal Charter Service and 71 of 601 rescues by Everest Experience also appeared fake.

What Happens Next

Kathmandu District Court is now recording statements as the case moves forward. Earlier arrests began in January, and investigators later widened the case to include more players across the rescue, trekking, and hospital system.

For now, the allegations remain just that, allegations, but the case has already thrown a harsh spotlight on how mountain rescues were billed and documented in Nepal.