The Maldives Police Service has raised alarm over a growing number of cases involving fake certificates being submitted for jobs and higher education opportunities, warning that the trend is eroding trust in the country’s education system.
In a statement, the Police said the use of forged or falsified qualifications undermines both public service and education standards. The authority stressed that submitting or using fake certificates, altering official documents, or presenting them as originals constitutes a criminal offence and will be met with legal action.
The cases are currently under investigation by the Fraud and Financial Investigation Department in collaboration with the Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA) and other relevant institutions. Once concluded, the cases will be forwarded for prosecution, Police confirmed.
Employers and educational institutions have been urged to exercise greater vigilance when assessing qualifications, giving priority to verifying documents under the qualification framework policy. Police also advised institutions to file complaints whenever the authenticity of a certificate is in doubt.
The warning follows a recent case in which the Bar Council of the Maldives lodged a complaint over the forgery of former Supreme Court Justice Abdullah Areef’s signature on a document falsely authorising an individual to practise law.
With the trend on the rise, Police emphasised the importance of safeguarding the credibility of the education system and ensuring that only genuine qualifications are recognised for employment and study opportunities.
