Everest $20M scam exposed: guides drugged trekkers, faked emergencies. (Photo: AI)
In one of the most shocking investigations carried out by the Nepal Police, it was found that there was a huge insurance scam worth $20 million in the Everest climbing expeditions. It is believed that the guides intentionally created emergency situations in which the victims were ‘poisoned’ with the aim of earning more money.
This is believed to be one of the largest scams in the region, which has created serious concerns about the safety of the international climbers who visit the highest mountain in the world.
It is believed that the trekkers were given more doses of Acetazolamide, which is used as an altitude sickness preventative. With the excessive consumption of water, the trekkers were ‘poisoned’ with the aim of inducing altitude sickness.
This led to panic among the trekkers, who were unaware of the high-altitude conditions. This is when the emergency was called, leading trekkers to believe that evacuation was necessary, although it was not.
The scam was allegedly carried out through a series of calculated moves. After the trekker fell ill, the guides demanded helicopter evacuation. These emergency rescues were unnecessary, yet they were sent to international insurance companies.
The scam was allegedly carried out by stakeholders in the rescue operation, including helicopter services, hospitals, and rescue teams. False reports were filed, leading to costly rescues and treatments, resulting in millions of dollars in insurance money.
Nepal Police’s Central Investigation Bureau has charged 32 people, including guides and operators. The scam is said to have targeted 4,782 climbers between 2022 and 2025.
Several entities are implicated in the scam. Hospitals were allegedly paid for unnecessary procedures, while rescue and charter services were paid for repeated rescues. The complexity of coordination points to a highly entrenched system.
The case was first discovered in the year 2018; however, it was not fully revealed until the authorities re-opened the case in recent times. The discovery was prompted by new information relating to insurance claims.
The discovery of the alleged scam has led to the filing of the case in court.
Mount Everest is one of the riskiest mountains in the world. Climbing the mountain exposes one to altitude sickness, weather conditions, and the terrain. Climbers rely heavily on guides in such conditions.
This dependency makes the trekkers susceptible to manipulation. Since the insurance firms are located remotely, it is difficult to ascertain the validity of the emergency. This creates a situation where the trekkers might be exploited.
Mount Everest, which measures 8,848.86 metres in height, is the highest mountain on our planet. Despite the fact that it draws thousands of climbers every year, the risks associated with climbing the mountain are high.
The risks associated with climbing the mountain include the low levels of oxygen, avalanches, and the Khumbu Icefall. So far, more than 340 people have lost their lives while climbing the mountain, and many bodies have never been retrieved due to the extreme weather conditions. These risks on the mountain make the onset of illness a concern, which was exploited by the scam.
The authorities in Nepal are continuing to investigate the case, and legal proceedings against the accused are underway. This case has caught the attention of the international community, specifically the travel and insurance sectors.
Experts believe that tighter controls over rescue efforts and medical checks, as well as expedition companies, might be necessary to avoid similar scams in the future.
The ‘rescue trap’ case remains a grim reminder that even on the highest mountain in the world, the threat might not only be the mountain itself but also the people tasked with providing rescue and safety.
Sofia Babu Chacko is a journalist with over five years of experience reporting on Indian politics, crime, human rights, gender issues, and stories about marginalized communities. She believes journalism plays a crucial role in amplifying unheard voices and bringing attention to issues that truly matter. Sofia has contributed articles to The New Indian Express, Youth Ki Awaaz, and Maktoob Media. She is also a recipient of the 2025 Laadli Media Awards for gender sensitivity. Beyond the newsroom, she is a music enthusiast who enjoys singing. Connect with Sofia on X: https://x.com/SBCism
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