Massive Fake Degree Racket Uncovered in India — Over 1 Million People Allegedly Received Fake Certificates
News Desk New Delhi: Police in the Indian state of Kerala have busted a nationwide network involved in producing and supplying fake university degrees and foreign certificates, arresting 11 individuals linked to the operation. According to Indian media, the gang is suspected of providing over one million fake certificates across the country. The network was…
News Desk
New Delhi: Police in the Indian state of Kerala have busted a nationwide network involved in producing and supplying fake university degrees and foreign certificates, arresting 11 individuals linked to the operation. According to Indian media, the gang is suspected of providing over one million fake certificates across the country.
The network was led by Dhanesh alias Danny, who was first booked in 2013 for selling counterfeit certificates. After serving his sentence, he re-established an even more sophisticated network with agents operating across multiple Indian states.
Investigators revealed that Dhanesh had set up a secret printing press in Pollachi, where counterfeit certificates of well-known universities were produced. Personal details of clients were later added before the documents were routed to Bengaluru. From there, a distribution chain sent the certificates to agents in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, Delhi, and West Bengal.
Police reported that the seized fake certificates carried forged signatures, holograms, and university stamps, making them appear highly authentic. Hundreds of printers, computers, and fake seals were recovered during raids. Authorities also confiscated nearly 100,000 ready-made fake certificates bearing the names of 22 universities located outside Kerala.
According to media reports, Dhanesh lived a lavish lifestyle, owning a luxury house in Malappuram, two five-star bars, apartments in Pune, and business investments in the Middle East. He was arrested at Calicut Airport while attempting to flee abroad with his family.
Police estimate that each fake certificate was sold for ₹75,000 to ₹150,000, enabling the mastermind to earn crores of rupees from the racket.
