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Thousands of adventure seekers trek to Nepal\u2019s Himalayas each year, where legitimate helicopter rescues save lives when danger strikes. But investigators just exposed a rescue scam<\/a> that bilked insurers for millions.<\/p>\n Guides poisoned trekkers\u2019 food with baking powder, uncooked chicken and even rat droppings to trigger altitude sickness symptoms, then terrified them into unnecessary evacuations, according to The Independent.<\/a><\/p>\n Between 2022 and 2025, Nepal\u2019s Central Investigation Bureau uncovered over 300 alleged fake rescues affecting 4,782 climbers. In one documented case, four tourists were rescued on a single helicopter but insurers received separate bills totaling $31,100. Hospitals fabricated admission records.<\/p>\n The payoff? Hospitals paid 20-25% of insurance payouts to trekking companies and another 20-25% to helicopter operators. Police have now charged 32 people.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Thousands of adventure seekers trek to Nepal\u2019s Himalayas each year, where legitimate helicopter rescues save lives when danger strikes. But investigators just exposed a rescue scam<\/a> that bilked insurers for millions.<\/p>\n Guides poisoned trekkers\u2019 food with baking powder, uncooked chicken and even rat droppings to trigger altitude sickness symptoms, then terrified them into unnecessary evacuations, according to The Independent.<\/a><\/p>\n Between 2022 and 2025, Nepal\u2019s Central Investigation Bureau uncovered over 300 alleged fake rescues affecting 4,782 climbers. In one documented case, four tourists were rescued on a single helicopter but insurers received separate bills totaling $31,100. Hospitals fabricated admission records.<\/p>\n The payoff? Hospitals paid 20-25% of insurance payouts to trekking companies and another 20-25% to helicopter operators. Police have now charged 32 people.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n