KATHMANDU: The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police has arrested six operators of various travel agencies involved in fake rescue operations.
At a press conference on Sunday, the CIB said the suspects allegedly created fake rescue documents from mountain regions to claim insurance fraudulently.
Those arrested include Jairam Rimal and manager Bibek Pandey of Mountain Rescue, Rabindra Adhikari and operations manager Bibekraj Thapliya of Nepal Charter Service, and Mukti Pandey and Subhash KC, directors of Everest Experience & Assist.
CIB Chief AIG Manoj KC stated that the accused brought up to five people at a time through regular or chartered trips but filed multiple insurance claims by reporting them as separate rescues at different times and locations.
He added that some operators exploited the system by claiming rescues for groups of tourists from the same location at staggered times.
While the arrested suspects are currently under investigation for crimes against national interest, criminal benefit offenses, and property laundering, the CIB noted that others may also be involved, and the investigation is ongoing.
AIG KC warned that fake rescues not only generate illegal profits but also damage Nepal’s international tourism image and could jeopardize insurance facilities in the country.
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