An investigation by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police found evidence that chartered helicopter flights, and in some cases even regular commercial flights, were misrepresented as medical evacuations in order to claim insurance money. The findings were disclosed on Sunday at a press briefing at the CIB office in Lazimpat. The bureau’s chief, […]

Summary:

An investigation by Nepal’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) revealed a large-scale fraud involving fake helicopter rescues used to claim millions in insurance money. The scam involved trekking agencies, helicopter rescue companies, hospitals, and tourist guides colluding to falsely label regular or chartered flights as emergency medical evacuations. Tourists were pressured into unnecessary helicopter evacuations under false medical pretenses, and multiple insurance claims were made, sometimes billing several times for a single flight.

Six suspects linked to three companies—Mountain Rescue Service Pvt. Ltd., Nepal Charter Service, and Everest Experience Assistance Pvt. Ltd.—were arrested. These companies reportedly carried out at least 317 fake rescues between 2022 and 2025, generating nearly $19.7 million in fraudulent insurance claims. The fraud has led several insurance companies to suspend or reject payments, citing mounting losses.

The case involves charges of organized crime, fraud, forgery, and possible money laundering under Nepal’s criminal code. Authorities warn that such fraudulent practices damage Nepal’s reputation as a tourist destination and could jeopardize genuine rescue operations.

Older cases dating back to 2018 are harder to prove due to lack of documentation, but the issue has been ongoing for years. The government had previously recommended better monitoring, but enforcement challenges remain.

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