Nepal arrests six in tourist rescue fraud
Sign up now: Get insights on Asia's fast-moving developments
Police uncovered evidence of multiple insurance claims filed for a single rescue operation, or chartered flights falsely presented as emergency evacuations.
PHOTO: AFP
KATHMANDU - Nepal has arrested six people after an investigation into fraudulent helicopter rescues of travellers in the Himalayan nation in a US$1.69 million (S$2.15 million) insurance scam, police said on Jan 26.
Thousands of trekkers visit Nepal every year for its stunning views of the Himalayas and routes lined with picturesque villages – and emergency helicopter rescues are a critical part of the tourism industry.
Police said they uncovered evidence of multiple insurance claims filed for a single rescue operation, or chartered flights falsely presented as emergency evacuations, and fabricated medical bills issued with the involvement of private hospitals.
The arrests follow a 2½ month investigation by the Central Investigation Bureau that revealed a trail of forged and manipulated documents.
Three companies had claimed insurance payouts of approximately US$1.69 million, according to a police statement.
“This has been a long-standing issue and we have been investigating. Six have been arrested and our investigations will continue,” Mr Shiva Kumar Shrestha, the bureau’s spokesman, told AFP.
A 2018 government probe identified 15 companies – including helicopter firms, trekking agencies and hospitals – linked to the lucrative racket. But no action was taken against any of the alleged perpetrators.
Scams continued – despite Nepal introducing guidelines to control fake rescues following a warning from insurers. AFP
