#pawgi

The National Post recently uncovered sketchy details indicating fraud surrounding Amaruk Wilderness, alleging that the owner (Chris Fragassi) had created a fake adventure training body to hand out certs and started several fake adventure businesses.

Here are the highlights:

Fragassi created the Professional Association of Wilderness Guides and Instructors (PAWGI) to deliver “independent” training and certifications. All of their guides were required to have PAWGI certifications to work for them, costing $500+.  Squeeze your guides before you hire them right? Read a forum discussion of guides uncovering the PAWGI scam a few years ago.

Amaruk claims to have a logistics division with access to Hercules C-30 military aircraft used to transport tanks and other heavy equipment, in addition to icebreakers, two Boeing 737s and dozens of land vehicles. Likely a total lie. 

According to Industry Canada filings, Amaruk has tens of millions in revenue with 200+ employees worldwide. However, according to his former landlords, he rented a basement in a northern British Columbia town and had few belognings. 

This story demonstrates the need to increase transparency and accountability in the adventure industry, particularly in training and certifications.

The National Post recently uncovered sketchy details indicating fraud surrounding Amaruk Wilderness, alleging that the owner (Chris Fragassi) had created a fake adventure training body to hand out certs and started several fake adventure businesses.

Here are the highlights:

Fragassi created the Professional Association of Wilderness Guides and Instructors (PAWGI) to deliver "independent" training and certifications. All of their guides were required to have PAWGI certifications to work for them, costing $500+. Squeeze your guides before you hire them right? Read a forum discussion of guides uncovering the PAWGI scam a few years ago.

Amaruk claims to have a logistics division with access to Hercules C-30 military aircraft used to transport tanks and other heavy equipment, in addition to icebreakers, two Boeing 737s and dozens of land vehicles.

According to Industry Canada filings, Amaruk has tens of millions in revenue with 200+ employees worldwide. However, according to his former landlords, he rented a basement in a northern British Columbia town and had few belognings.