Fraudster Riaz used to match fake certificates, roll-registrations and names online

Photo: Collected

News Desk: A syndicate has been accused of creating fake educational certificates in the name of the National University and making them appear verifiable online in order to scam millions of taka from Bangladeshi expatriates working in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

An investigation has revealed that the group allegedly used the roll numbers, registration numbers, and information of genuine students of the National University to prepare fake certificates under the names of other individuals. As a result, although the information appeared to match during initial online verification, the fraud was exposed during detailed international-level verification.

Recently, as undergraduate and postgraduate degrees have become mandatory for several job categories in the UAE, many Bangladeshi expatriates have become interested in obtaining educational certificates quickly. Several victims alleged that a syndicate took advantage of this situation and became active.

According to the victims, Md. Riaz (40), son of Md. Naya Mridha, whose village home is in Taltoli, Dumki Upazila, Patuakhali (Barishal Division), allegedly promised to arrange National University degree certificates, mark sheets, and necessary documents. He reportedly claimed that the information would be available even if the roll or registration number were checked online. Trusting these claims, many people paid between Tk 100,000 and Tk 200,000.

Interviews with several victims revealed that after receiving money, they were provided with roll numbers and registration numbers. Later, printed certificates were supplied according to their requirements. Since the information initially appeared on the National University website, many believed that the certificates were genuine.

However, when the certificates were submitted for apostille and international verification for use abroad, a different picture emerged. Verification showed that although the roll and registration numbers existed, the applicant’s name, parents’ names, date of birth, and other personal details did not match those of the actual students. It was then revealed that the roll and registration numbers belonged to one person, while the certificate had been prepared in the name of another individual.

The investigation further found that the group allegedly first searched the National University database to identify whether there was a genuine student with the same or a similar name. They then used that student’s roll and registration numbers to prepare fake certificates under another person’s name. As a result, limited information could be seen online, but detailed verification failed to match the actual identity.

Victims alleged that when they contacted the accused after discovering the fraud, he delayed the matter in various ways. Sometimes he promised to correct the information, while at other times he demanded additional money. Several people paid extra amounts but still did not receive any solution. Many also claimed that they lost job opportunities because of the fake certificates.

The investigation also found that there are already two cases filed against Md. Riaz. Documents obtained by the reporter reportedly contain information about a police (PP) case, including his identity, photograph, and case details. However, the current judicial status of those cases could not be independently verified.

When contacted through the mobile number used by Md. Riaz regarding the allegations, he denied being involved in any fraud. However, when questioned about multiple cases against him, he reportedly said, “There are several cases against me. Even if there are a few more cases, it will not be a problem.”

Those involved claimed that he could not provide any satisfactory explanation regarding the allegations made by the victims.

Meanwhile, several victims have said that they are preparing to file cases against Md. Riaz on charges of fraud, forgery, and misappropriation of money. They said they are collecting necessary evidence, including payment receipts, conversation records, copies of certificates, and other documents. After completing the process, they will submit complaints to law enforcement agencies.

Legal and education experts said that creating educational certificates under someone else’s name by using information of genuine students is not only a form of fraud but also a major threat to information security within the national education system and to the credibility of educational certificates. They urged the National University, the Ministry of Education, and law enforcement agencies to conduct impartial investigations and take necessary legal action against those responsible.

Meanwhile, the victims have demanded immediate legal action against the accused, the recovery of money taken through fraud, and the identification and prosecution of other individuals involved in the syndicate. They also advised Bangladeshis planning to go abroad and those already living abroad to verify any educational certificates directly through the concerned educational institutions and government authorities before using them.