Police Seize Over 100,000 Fake Degrees From 22 Universities in India – Full Details of Major Crackdown

In one of the largest certificate forgery crackdowns in India, the Kerala Police have seized over 100,000 fake academic degrees linked to 22 universities across the country. The operation has led to the arrest of 11 suspects and exposed a massive illegal network involved in producing and selling fraudulent educational certificates.

Authorities say the scale of the scam is far bigger than initially believed, with investigators estimating that more than one million fake degrees may already be in circulation and used for employment across multiple sectors.

Biggest Fake Degree Scam Uncovered in India

According to police officials, the seized fake degrees were not limited to one field. Instead, they covered critical and highly sensitive professions, including:

• Medicine
• Nursing
• Engineering
• Technical and professional disciplines

This has raised serious concerns about public safety, institutional integrity, and national workforce standards.

How Kerala Police Cracked the Fake Degree Network

The investigation began after multiple complaints about unqualified individuals securing jobs using suspicious certificates. Kerala Police launched a detailed intelligence-led operation, tracking document suppliers, middlemen, and distribution channels.

Key steps in the operation included:

• Digital surveillance
• Raids at printing facilities
• Analysis of forged university seals
• Verification with real universities

The crackdown revealed a well-organized criminal network operating across several Indian states.

22 Universities Linked to Fake Certificates

Police confirmed that fake degrees were produced in the names of 22 universities, some real and some partially fabricated to appear legitimate.

The forged certificates included:

• Fake university names and logos
• Counterfeit signatures
• Fabricated registration numbers
• Fake transcripts and mark sheets

Many employers failed to verify these documents properly, allowing fake degree holders to secure jobs.

Over One Million Fake Degrees Already in Use

Investigators believe the 100,000 seized certificates are only a fraction of the total scale.

According to police estimates:

• More than 1,000,000 fake degrees may already be in circulation
• Many have been used to obtain jobs in hospitals, engineering firms, and private companies
• Some may still be active in government-linked roles

This revelation has triggered nationwide concern.

Fake Degrees Used to Secure Jobs in Critical Sectors

Authorities revealed that fraudulent degrees were commonly used to gain employment in:

• Private hospitals
• Clinics and nursing homes
• Construction and engineering firms
• Educational institutions
• Overseas job placements

Experts warn that fake qualifications in fields like medicine and engineering can directly endanger lives.

Cost of Fake Degrees: Rs. 200,000 to Rs. 400,000

Police disclosed that the criminal network sold individual fake degrees for prices ranging from:

• Rs. 200,000 (basic certificates)
• Rs. 400,000 (professional degrees like MBBS, nursing, engineering)

This illegal trade generated millions in unlawful revenue, making it one of the most profitable education-related scams uncovered in recent years.

11 Arrested, More Suspects Under Investigation

So far, 11 suspects have been arrested, including:

• Certificate printers
• Middlemen and agents
• Document distributors

Police confirmed that the investigation is still ongoing, with more arrests expected as authorities trace financial records and digital communications.

How Fake Degree Networks Operate

According to investigators, the fake degree network followed a structured system:

1. Client contacts agent
2. Degree type and university selected
3. Payment made in installments
4. Fake certificate printed with seals
5. Degree delivered with verification instructions

Some networks even offered fake verification portals to deceive employers.

Serious Threat to Education and Employment Systems

Education experts say this scam has damaged trust in academic credentials and highlighted serious gaps in verification systems.

Key risks include:

• Unqualified professionals in sensitive roles
• Decline in institutional credibility
• Risk to public health and safety
• Loss of trust in genuine degree holders

Government and Institutions Under Pressure

Following the revelations, authorities are under pressure to:

• Strengthen degree verification systems
• Digitize academic records
• Improve employer background checks
• Penalize institutions that fail to verify credentials

Experts are urging nationwide reforms to prevent future scams.

Employers Urged to Verify Academic Credentials

Police and education officials have advised employers to:

• Verify degrees directly with universities
• Use official verification portals
• Avoid accepting unverifiable certificates
• Conduct background checks before hiring

Failure to verify credentials could expose companies to legal and safety risks.

Impact on Genuine Students and Professionals

Legitimate degree holders say such scams:

• Devalue genuine education
• Create unfair competition
• Damage international reputation
• Increase scrutiny on honest professionals

Many are calling for strict punishment for fake degree holders.

Possible Legal Consequences for Fake Degree Users

Under Indian law, individuals using fake degrees may face:

• Criminal charges
• Job termination
• Heavy fines
• Imprisonment
• Permanent blacklisting

Police have warned that degree buyers are equally responsible, not just sellers.

Nationwide Crackdown Expected

Following the Kerala Police operation, authorities expect:

• Similar crackdowns in other states
• Audits of academic credentials
• Coordination with universities and employers
• Expansion of digital degree verification systems

This case may serve as a turning point in fighting academic fraud.

Final Thoughts

The seizure of over 100,000 fake degrees in India has exposed a deeply rooted criminal network threatening education systems, public safety, and employment integrity. The case highlights the urgent need for stronger verification systems, institutional accountability, and public awareness.

As the investigation continues, authorities hope this crackdown will send a strong message against academic fraud and restore confidence in genuine qualifications.

Fake Degrees in India – FAQs