According to a report published by the Indian magazine The Commune, the scam operated quietly for years and reached almost every corner of the country. Police investigations reveal that the network, traced back to the southern state of Kerala, has allegedly issued fake degrees to more than one million people.
During police raids, officers recovered over 100,000 certificates linked to at least 22 universities. The main accused, identified as Dhanish alias Danny, was caught at his residence while printing counterfeit degrees.
Authorities also seized fake university seals, mark sheets, and official looking documents from 28 institutions.
Police officials say the business was not small or random. The network is believed to have earned nearly 100 crore rupees by selling forged academic records. These fake degrees were reportedly used to secure jobs both inside India and abroad, including positions in sensitive fields such as medical care, nursing, and engineering.
Remember when we said India NGOs were producing counterfeit degree certificates for H1Bs? That was true. Now, universities in India are selling them. Indians are "vetted"? If they audited every student and work VISA holder, few would still be here. pic.twitter.com/zNeT6xsOfk
— The Constitutionalist 🇺🇸 (@WeWillBeFree24) January 2, 2026
The report further claims that many Indian citizens paid heavy bribes to obtain U.S. H-1B visas using these fake qualifications. Investigators allege that more than 36,000 counterfeit degrees were sold specifically for migration to the United States.
Jessica Vaughan, Director of the U.S. Center for Immigration Studies (CIS), has described the visa issuance process in India as deeply flawed. She claimed that over 200 H-1B visas are issued daily, and that 80 to 90 percent of them may be based on false or misleading credentials.
According to her, many applicants claim to hold degrees but lack even basic knowledge of their supposed fields of study.
Adding to the concern, Indian-American diplomat Mahwish Siddiqui reportedly called the U.S. Consulate in Chennai the world’s largest hub for H-1B visa fraud.
The revelations have sparked public anger and renewed debate over oversight, accountability, and the global impact of academic fraud. As investigations continue, authorities face growing pressure to tighten checks, restore trust, and shut down networks that profit from deception rather than merit.
