In late 2025, Kerala Police in India dismantled a multi-state fake degree racket, arresting 11 suspects and seizing over 100,000 counterfeit certificates linked to around 22 universities or institutions. Authorities estimated that up to 1 million fraudulent degrees could be in circulation. The forged documents primarily targeted fields like medicine, nursing, and engineering, and were sold for ₹75,000 to ₹1.5 lakh (roughly $900–$1,800 USD).
🚨 1 Million Fake Doctors, Nurses & Engineers? India Busts Shocking Racket Selling 100K+ Counterfeit Degrees — Global Trust in Crisis
Is Your Doctor Actually a REAL Doctor?
MAJOR BUST: Kerala Police arrested 11 suspects in a massive pan-India fake degree racket. Over 100,000… pic.twitter.com/KhD9wUKXFI
— Tony Seruga (@TonySeruga) May 29, 2026
One institution highlighted in related reporting is Manav Bharti University, which reportedly sold about 36,025 fake degrees while awarding far fewer legitimate ones (around 5,455). Fake degrees from such operations reportedly cost as little as $1,400.
The issue has recently reignited after Fox News anchor Kayleigh McEnany posted a video on social media highlighting concerns about the H-1B visa program, which allows employers to hire foreign workers in “specialty occupations” requiring at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent .