UK–US Virtual “Universities” Running Worldwide Fake Ph.D. Racket.

Exclusive Investigation: The Global Fake Ph.D. Racket Exploiting Digital Shadows and Regulatory Gaps

A Sprouts News Special Investigation led by Unmesh Gujarathi uncovers a global fake Ph.D. racket run through virtual entities in the UK and the USA. These degree mills operate under official-sounding names and fake accreditation bodies, issuing counterfeit doctoral degrees within days for a fee — no coursework or research required. Fraudster Abhishek Pandey, linked to “Chania International University,” is among those implicated. The scam threatens academic integrity, HR systems, and national security.

Our investigation reveal a sophisticated global network trafficking in counterfeit doctoral degrees. These “degree mills,” operating as virtual entities from the UK and USA, are exploiting digital anonymity and regulatory loopholes. They sell fake Ph.D. certificates to thousands, undermining academic integrity and posing severe risks to employers and national security. This fraud capitalises on overwhelming cyber threats targeting the education sector.

These entities use official-sounding names like “London International University of Science.” Others include the “American Global Institute of Technology” or “Oxford College of Research.” Their professional websites feature fake accreditation seals and fabricated faculty lists. The process requires only a form and a fee, delivering a PDF “degree” within days.

The Mechanics of a Modern Academic Scam

The operation is a multi-layered deception designed to exploit trust. First, they mimic legitimate institutions with “.ac” or “.edu” domains. These sites falsely claim accreditation from bodies like the “International Accreditation Agency.” In reality, these accreditors are fictional fronts created by the same fraudsters.

The business model relies on volume and low overhead. “Students” submit a brief research outline and a payment of a few hundred dollars. No coursework, supervision, or defended thesis is ever required. The resulting certificate is a worthless document, often undetectable to overburdened HR departments.

Why Fake Doctorates Are a Booming Black Market

Pressure for career advancement in competitive fields is a key driver. Candidates believe a quick credential provides an edge. A lack of public awareness about proper accreditation processes enables the scam. Many do not know how to verify an institution’s legal status.

The digital realm offers perceived anonymity for both seller and buyer. Fraudsters hide behind corporate shells registered abroad. This makes legal pursuit difficult for national authorities. Purchasers believe the transaction is a victimless, private act.

Severe Consequences: From Individual Ruin to National Risk

The damage extends far beyond a wasted payment. Individuals face permanent career damage when the fraud is exposed. Employers risk reputational harm and legal liability for hiring based on fake credentials. One university policy states proven academic misconduct can be disclosed in references.

The broader academic ecosystem suffers eroded trust. Legitimate qualifications are devalued. Verification systems for genuine institutions become more costly and complex. It represents a critical failure in upholding academic responsibility.

Crackdowns and Regulatory Hurdles

Authorities are taking notice but face challenges. The U.S. Department of Education is implementing new identity validation to combat related student aid fraud. This indicates recognition of systemic vulnerability. The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has acted against several degree mills.

However, enforcement is uneven. A recent analysis warns of a retreat in federal oversight of predatory educational institutions. This regulatory gap allows sophisticated operators to flourish. International cooperation is required to dismantle cross-border networks effectively.

How to Spot and Stop Fake PhD Degrees

Verification is your most powerful tool. Always check the institution against official government lists. In the UK, consult the “Recognised bodies” register. For the USA, use the Department of Education’s accredited institution database.

Demand official, verifiable transcripts from the institution. A standalone PDF certificate is a major red flag. Contact the university directly using details from its official website, not the seller. Be wary of institutions with no physical address or proper contact details.

Also Read: ED Files Chargesheet against Robert Vadra in Bhandari Case.

Related Article: Rape Accused Misuse Fake Doctor Titles in India.

The Path Forward: Vigilance and Accountability

Combating this fraud requires a concerted effort. Employers must implement rigorous, mandatory credential checks. Policymakers need to strengthen cross-border legal frameworks. Educational bodies should amplify public awareness campaigns.

The Sprouts News Special Investigation Team continues to monitor this issue. We urge anyone with information to come forward. Protecting the value of genuine education is a collective responsibility. Always verify before you trust any academic credential presented to you.

Chania International University and the Rebranding Scam: A Case Study in Persistent Fraud

The case of Chania International University and individuals like fraudster Abhishek Pandey exemplifies a disturbing trend in the global market for fake degrees: the use of multiple aliases to perpetrate the same fraud. These operations, often labelled diploma mills, strategically rebrand with new academic-sounding names to evade detection and ensnare new victims from various professional fields. It is particularly alarming when high-stakes professionals fall for these scams, as their use of counterfeit credentials can undermine public trust in critical sectors.

A stark parallel is found in the Axact scandal in Pakistan, where one company ran hundreds of fictitious universities, and in cases like Ashwood University, an online entity exposed for selling degrees with no coursework to clients worldwide.

The damage is severe, eroding the value of legitimate education and posing risks where expertise is vital, such as in a US scheme involving thousands of fake nursing degrees. Combating this requires rigorous verification by employers and innovative solutions like blockchain-based certification, which can make credentials impossible to counterfeit.

Sprouts’ appeals to the public to beware of this racket- unless fake image-building is your thing.

Roster of Fraudsters: Beware of these individuals selling bogus PhD degrees. Contact the police immediately if you have been scammed:

Maharshi Keshvananda, Anil Nair Thampi, Dinesh Kishor Gupta, Akepe Linus Enobi, Avinash Pawar, Joseph Legend Mfon, Musharrof Hossain, Vivek Choudhari- ESRDS, Siddic A Muhammed (Dubai), Kalyanji Jana, Riyas Sulaima Lebbe, Francisco Sardinha, Pawan Kumar Dhoot, Dnyaneshwar Yashwant Sapkal, Sundari Thakur, Madhu Krishan, Ghanshyam Sakharam Kolambe, Peeyush Pandit, Abhishek Pandey, Mahendra Shamkant Deshpande (Nashik-Saputara-Gujarat), Lal Bahadur Rana (Nepal), Sunil Singh Pardeshi, Mangesh Deshmukh, Nareshchandra Kathole- Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh IAS Academy, Amravati, Kishor Baliram Patil- (Bhivandi- reporter), Vishwas Arote (Akole- reporter), Surykant Rawool, Tarvinder Singh, Kiran Bongale (Sangli), Anwar Sheikh (Pune), BuAbdullah, Lokesh Muni (Ahinsa Vishwa Bharati ), Kavita Bajaj and Mansukh Damji Tank – (Rajkumar Tank), Gaurav Shah- BJP, Anajni Kumar- Delhi, Anwar Shaikh (Pune ), Harshad Madhukar Sangle (Pune) & Dnyaneshwar Yashwant Sapkal.

List of fake universities awarding bogus PhD degrees:

► Gandhi Peace Foundation Nepal
► World Culture and Environment Protection Commission
► The George Washington University of Peace, United States of America
► American East Coast University
► Socrates Social Research University
► World Human Rights Protection Commission (WHPRC)
► World Peace of United Nations University
► Mount Elbert Central University
► Maryland State University
► The University of Macaria
► Theophany University
► The Open International University of Complementary Medicine, Sri Lanka
► University of America Hawaii and Inox International University
► World Mystic Science Institute (OPC) Private Limited
► University of South America
► Southwestern American University
► The American University, USA
► Zoroastrian University
► Vinayaka Missions Singhania
► Adi Shankar Vedic University, Netherlands
► American Heritage University of Southern California (AHUSC)
► Peace University
► Global Human Rights Trust (GHRT)
► Trinity World University, UK
► St Mother Teresa University
► American University of Global Peace
► Jeeva Theological Open University
► World Peace Institute of United Nations
► Global Human Peace University
► Bharat Virtual University for Peace and Education
► National Global Peace University
► Ballsbridge University
► International Open University of Humanity Health, Science and Peace, USA
► Harshal University
► International Internship University
► British National University of Queen Mary
► Jordan River University
► Boston Imperial University
► Dayspring Christian University
► South Western American University
► Global Triumph Virtual University
► Vikramshila Hindi Vidyapeeth
► Jnana Deepa University (Pune)
► Oxfaa University
► Mount Elbert Central University
► Maa Bhuvaneshwari International University
► The Institute of Entrepreneurship and Management Studies (IEMS)
► Ecole Superieure Robert de Sorbon
► Central Christian University
► Azteca University
► University of Swahili
► Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Lok Vidyapith, Amravati
► International Human Rights Ambassador International Peace Corps Association
► Indo Global University, Hyderabad
► Mount Elbert Central University
► McSTEM Eduversity, USA
► Social Awareness and Peace University
► Indian School of Management and Studies
► Socrates Social Research University
► International Global Peace University
► Ballsbridge University
► Commonwealth of Dominica
► International Anti-corruption and Human Rights Council
► Bharat Virtual University
► Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Hindi Vidyapith
► The George Washington University of Peace
► Asia Vedic Culture Research University
► Magic Book of Record
► European Digital University (EDU)
► Hessen International University
► Chicago Open University
► Global Conclave Virtual University
► Global Cocord Virtual University
► Cambridge Digital of University
► America Internation University (AIU)

List of NGOs giving fake awards and degrees:

► Dadasaheb Phalke Icon Awards Film Organisation
► Shri Dadasaheb Phalke International Award Film Foundation
► World Human Protection Commission
► Mahatma Gandhi Global Peace Foundation
► Empower Social and Education Trust
► Nelson Mandela Nobel Award Academy
► Diplomatic Mission Global Peace

END OF REPORT

Sprouts News SIT is committed to continuing this investigation. If you have any information related to degree fraud, please contact us confidentially on 9322755098 contact number.