Police in Lucknow have busted a major fake degree network that allegedly sold fake university degrees and certificates across multiple Indian states. The operation reportedly ran for years, quietly offering fake credentials that allowed buyers to secure jobs without proper academic qualifications.
Authorities arrested three men—Satyendra Dwivedi of Ayodhya, Akhilesh Kumar of Unnao, and Saurabh Sharma of Lakhimpur Kheri—accused of running the fake degree racket. Investigators said the group produced fake degrees and fake mark sheets using the names and fake seals of at least 25 universities, including Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Kalinga University, and Sabarmati University. The fake documents were reportedly convincing enough to pass basic employer checks, particularly in the private sector.
Police recovered more than 900 fake degrees, 15 fake seals, multiple fake letterheads, and six laptops used to design and print the fake certificates. Prices for fake degrees reportedly ranged from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 for arts qualifications, ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh for engineering and management degrees, and up to ₹4 lakh for fake PhDs. The fake degree network is believed to have been active since 2021. The alleged mastermind, Mr. Dwivedi, reportedly holds a doctorate, which investigators say may have helped in producing high-quality fake documents.
The investigation has now widened to include buyers of the fake degrees, with authorities identifying roughly 1,500 individuals who allegedly used fake credentials to gain employment. “Strict legal action will be taken against them as well,” said Shashank Singh, Deputy Commissioner of Police (East). Officials warned that thousands of jobs could be affected if these fake degrees are invalidated and emphasized the need for verification to prevent the circulation of fake credentials. The case exposes vulnerabilities in systems meant to prevent fake academic and professional documents.
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