India, April 3 -- High on the slopes of Mount Everest, where survival depends on trust as much as endurance, a troubling allegation has emerged that challenges the foundations of the trekking industry.

Authorities in Nepal have accused a network of individuals linked to the Everest expedition circuit of orchestrating a large-scale insurance fraud scheme that allegedly involved making climbers ill to justify costly evacuations.

According to an investigation reported by the Kathmandu Post, sherpas working alongside trekking agencies allegedly tampered with tourists' food by adding baking soda.

Investigators said the substance caused severe gastrointestinal distress, symptoms that could resemble altitude sickness or food poisoning.

Once ...