According to Nepal Police's Central Investigation Bureau, certain guides allegedly added baking powder to climbers' food to induce symptoms resembling altitude sickness. This tactic reportedly forced unsuspecting tourists to opt for emergency helicopter evacuations.

Authorities say the scam, estimated at nearly $20 million, affected around 4,782 international climbers between 2022 and 2025. In connection with the case, 32 guides have been charged, as reported by The Kathmandu Post.

Although the fraud first came to light in 2018, the investigation was recently reopened, leading to major breakthroughs. Officials allege that once climbers fell ill, they were pressured into expensive evacuations, with forged medical and flight documents used to claim reimbursements from international travel insurers.

The illegally obtained funds were reportedly shared among guides, helicopter operators, trekking agencies, and even hospitals involved in providing fake treatments.

The probe intensified in January with the arrest of six executives from three major mountain rescue firms. Investigators claim the groups collectively secured at least $19.69 million through fraudulent means.

One company is accused of falsifying 171 out of 1,248 rescue claims, pocketing over $10 million. Another allegedly fabricated 75 of 471 rescues, claiming around $8 million, while a third is said to have made 71 false claims worth more than $1 million.

Prosecutors are now seeking fines totaling $11.3 million. Given the scale and global impact of the case, authorities have marked it as high priority.