Four suspects picked up over fake academic scrolls so far

PETALING JAYA: Graft-busters have picked up a fourth suspect involved in a syndicate that produces fake academic scrolls.

Initial investigations revealed that the 34-year-old business owner was the supplier of the certificates.

A source familiar with the case said the suspect was picked up by the Malaysian AntiCorruption Commission (MACC) from his house in Kuala Lumpur midnight Wednesday after the investigating team found new leads.

“The MACC is in the midst of identifying other suspects,” the source said.

The 34-year-old was remanded for six days from yesterday.

It was reported on Sunday that the MACC busted a syndicate that offered fake diplomas, degrees and Master’s degrees with the arrest of three suspects aged between 30 and 34.

The syndicate charged RM2,000 to RM16,000, depending on the type of qualification and institution.

Meanwhile, MACC deputy chief commissioner (operation) Datuk Seri Azam Baki said the matter was being viewed seriously because many companies had hired individuals who bought the qualifications without first checking their authenticity.

He stressed that companies recruiting people should verify if the candidates were actually qualified for the job.

“We have also contacted the tertiary institutions whose names were used in the certificates. They have confirmed that the certificates seized by us were fake and were never issued by them,” said Azam.