Fake diplomas and websites selling them identified in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is cracking down on the online trade of fake diplomas, with authorities identifying 46 counterfeit documents and 20 websites involved in their illicit sale. The Ministry of Science and Higher Education has taken steps to combat this issue by creating a comprehensive database of diplomas issued since 1991.

To ensure the authenticity of academic credentials, all newly issued diplomas now incorporate a unique serial number and a QR code. Access to the system generating these documents is restricted to authorized university personnel. Diplomas are generated based on student records within the "Unified Higher Education Platform" (UHEP) information system, meaning diplomas cannot be issued if a graduate's information is absent.

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To date, 46 counterfeit diplomas and 20 internet resources involved in their illegal manufacture have been identified. The materials have been transferred to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Culture and Information.

Documents lacking a unique number and QR code are officially considered invalid. The ministry has transferred the identified cases of counterfeit diplomas and online resources to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Culture and Information for further action. Universities are actively digitizing graduate records, and an online service, epvo.kz, allows employers and other interested parties to verify diploma authenticity. Electronic versions are also accessible via the "Digital Documents" section of the e-government mobile app.

Kazakhstan's Criminal Code, specifically Article 385, stipulates that forging or using forged documents is a criminal offense. Offenders face penalties ranging from fines and community service to restrictions on liberty or imprisonment for up to two years.

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institutional documents that do not contain a unique number and QR code are considered invalid.