In a major crackdown on an organized fraud network operating under the guise of education, a large fake degree racket has been busted in the Govindpuri area of Southeast Delhi. The syndicate, which functioned through a call centre setup, duped youth across the country by selling fake degrees, mark sheets, and migration certificates, siphoning off lakhs of rupees. Seven key accused—Sanjeev Kumar Maurya, Janak Neupane, Kishan Kumar, Vicky Kumar Jha, Ashish Thapliyal, Akash Kumar, and Sanjay Arya—have been arrested, while 28 other employees have been bound down to join the investigation.
Investigations revealed that the gang was misusing the name of ‘Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Management Science and Technology’ to issue backdated fake degrees. These documents were designed with such precision that distinguishing them from genuine certificates was extremely difficult for an average person. The operation was structured like a professional corporate call centre, allowing the racket to run smoothly without raising suspicion for a long time.
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Raid Uncovers Call Centre Operations
According to sources, a tip-off regarding the illegal activities was received on April 6, following which a special team was formed. A planned raid was conducted at a premises located on the second floor of TA-205, Guru Ravidas Marg in Govindpuri. The accused were caught red-handed operating the fake call centre. Computers, mobile phones, printers, sample fake documents, data records, and other digital evidence were seized from the spot, exposing the scale and organization of the network.
Recruitment, Targeting, and Digital Execution
Further probe revealed that the gang recruited telecallers through job portals like ‘WorkIndia’. Recruits were made to believe they were working for a legitimate educational institution. These telecallers would pose as faculty members of colleges or universities and contact potential victims, offering them degrees in a short time. The primary targets were individuals who had dropped out of studies or were looking for shortcuts to secure jobs quickly.
The syndicate procured personal data of students and job seekers from third-party sources. Using this data, telecallers would reach out to potential victims and convince them about the scheme. Once the payment was made, all transactions were systematically recorded on Google Sheets to maintain internal tracking and financial transparency within the network.
After preparing fake degrees and transcripts, the documents were sent to victims via WhatsApp. In several cases, these forged certificates were even used for job applications, making the scam more serious in its impact. Investigators are now identifying individuals who purchased and used these fake credentials.
Expert Insights on Evolving Cyber Frauds
Cybercrime experts note that such scams rely heavily on social engineering and digital tools. Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said, “Fraudsters today are moving beyond conventional methods and building organized digital ecosystems. In cases like fake degree scams, they specifically target individuals seeking quick success. By using professional call centre setups, data analytics, and social engineering tactics, these gangs create a strong illusion of legitimacy, making it easier to deceive unsuspecting victims.”
Further investigation is currently underway. Interrogation of the arrested accused is expected to reveal more links and the wider spread of the network. Authorities believe that more arrests are likely in the coming days, which could help uncover the deeper roots of this fraudulent operation.
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.
