Police probe cases of forged educational certificates

The police are investigating multiple cases involving the use of invalid educational certificates for employment and higher education applications.

According to police, the Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA) and other relevant institutions are working together on the matter. The police said such acts risk undermining the credibility of the education system and provide unfair advantages to offenders, affecting the quality of public services and professional standards.

The Fraud and Financial Investigations Department has referred several cases of certificate forgery to the Prosecutor General’s Office for prosecution. Police noted that it is a criminal offence to submit or use an invalid certificate, alter or copy documents of value, or present them falsely as original.

“Employers and all education providers are reminded to be vigilant and follow the qualification framework,” police said in a statement Sunday.

The statement also urged employers, universities, colleges, and government institutions to verify certificates in line with required procedures. The public was encouraged to report any suspected cases of fraudulent certificates to the police.