In a shocking revelation, the Central Investigation Bureau of Nepal Police has uncovered a large-scale fraud scheme involving guides at Mount Everest, which reportedly provided financial gains of approximately $20 million through insurance deception. Authorities have revealed that over a span of three years, between 2022 to 2025, these guides allegedly poisoned climbers in a bid to manufacture emergencies to exploit insurance services.
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On March 12, 32 guides were formally charged in relation to this extensive operation that, according to reports from The Kathmandu Post, affected nearly 4,782 international climbers. Initial investigations into this case date back to 2018, yet the serious nature of the findings compelled police to reopen the inquiry in 2025.
The fraudulent scheme reportedly involved the guides creating a fabricated emergency situation for the tourists—many of whom hailed from countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia. This manipulation was designed to complicate the verification process for insurance companies, particularly in Kathmandu, the focal point for many Everest trekkers.
Among the more alarming tactics deployed by the guides was the intentional introduction of substances, such as baking powder, into climbers’ food. This was purportedly done to simulate the symptoms associated with altitude sickness, compelling climbers to seek emergency assistance. Coupled with this deception, climbers were allegedly provided with Acetazolamide (commonly known as Diamox) in excessive amounts of water, meant to mimic or exacerbate signs of altitude sickness.
Altitude sickness itself arises when climbers ascend rapidly to high altitudes without allowing their bodies adequate time to adjust to the decrease in oxygen levels. The situation necessitates a careful and professional response; however, the guides misappropriated this serious condition for personal gain, according to police sources.
The findings indicate that the fraud extended beyond the guides themselves, implicating various local entities such as helicopter companies and hospitals, which were also reportedly in on the scam. Allegedly, the guides falsely claimed the need for emergency helicopter evacuations and subsequent treatments. Investigations revealed that Era International Hospital received payments exceeding $15.87 million, while Shreedhi International Hospital was involved in taking over $1.22 million linked to these false rescue operations.
Furthermore, the Mountain Rescue Service is accused of conducting a staggering 171 fraudulent rescues, which resulted in collecting approximately $10.31 million from international insurance companies. Meanwhile, Nepal Charter Service allegedly accumulated $8.2 million for its involvement, and Everest Experience and Assistance is connected to claims worth about $11.04 million, as detailed in police reports.
The authorities have stressed the seriousness of this situation, with potential implications not only for the health and safety of climbers but also for Nepal’s reputation as a premier trekking and mountaineering destination. The scandal highlights the vulnerability of tourists in areas with high adventure and significant financial risk.
In light of these developments, the investigation is ongoing, with Nepalese authorities expected to take further action against those involved in this elaborate scam. There has been no formal comment from the implicated parties or their respective organisations as of yet.
The international climbing community is watching closely, as the ramifications of this discovery could influence future trekking regulations and safety protocols in Nepal. Authorities are under pressure to restore trust and ensure that such deceit does not tarnish the integrity of one of the world’s most iconic natural landmarks.