The Special Investigation Team probing a large fake certificate network has uncovered that 103 degrees linked to Lingaya University, Faridabad, and Monad University, Hapur, are fraudulent. The managements of both universities have formally denied issuing the recovered certificates, deepening the investigation into the organised racket.
Five SIT teams recently conducted coordinated searches at five universities located in Faridabad, Hapur, Aligarh, Saharanpur and Firozabad. During the preliminary verification, 100 certificates linked to Lingaya University and three certificates associated with Monad University were found suspicious. University authorities later provided written confirmation that the documents were not issued from their official records.
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Shail Group Masterminds ₹7 Crore Education Scam
Police officials said the fake degree network was allegedly connected to an institution operating under the name Shail Group of Education. Acting on intelligence inputs, Kidwai Nagar police had earlier raided the premises of the organisation and arrested four persons. During the search, investigators recovered more than 900 educational certificates, migration papers and mark sheets linked to 15 universities across nine states. Among them were 357 certificates allegedly related to Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur.
According to investigators, the entire operation was allegedly masterminded by a man identified as Shailendra Kumar Ojha. He is considered the central operator of the network. Other suspects associated with the racket include Nagesh Mani Tripathi, Jogendra and Ashwani Kumar Singh, who have already been arrested and sent to jail. Search operations are also underway for Mayank Bhardwaj from Chhatarpur, Manish alias Ravi from Hyderabad, Viniet from Ghaziabad, Shekhu from Bhopal and Shubham Dubey.
Financial Trail Reveals Massive Transactions
Financial probe findings revealed that the bank account operated in the name of Shail Group of Education recorded transactions of nearly ₹7 crore between 2021 and 2025. Investigators are now examining the sources of these funds and identifying the accounts where the money was transferred. Authorities suspect the funds were generated through the sale of fake certificates to job seekers.
The gang reportedly targeted unemployed youth and candidates desperate for jobs by offering forged academic credentials for medical, technical and other professional fields. Police believe several people may have used these certificates in attempts to secure employment. Further verification of job applications based on these documents is also being carried out.
GST Fraud and Hidden Operations Exposed
Another suspicious finding relates to a rented commercial shop in the Naubasta area. The accused reportedly signed an 11-month rental agreement with a woman to use the premises and installed a board bearing the name Vardhman Industries. Subsequently, a GST registration was obtained for the company using the same address. Investigators suspect the location was used to conceal financial transactions.
GST officials stated that the registration was issued based on PAN and Aadhaar documents, but there is no clear record of physical verification. The crime branch is now reviewing the documentation process and may question individuals involved in the registration procedure.
University administrations have reiterated that strict action will be taken against those involved in issuing fake certificates. Police and SIT teams are continuing raids and technical surveillance to identify remaining members of the gang and trace the complete financial network.
Authorities consider the case a major organised fraud operation and are working to dismantle the entire racket through detailed forensic, financial and cyber investigations.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
