In late 2025, Kerala Police in India dismantled a multi-state fake degree racket, arresting 11 suspects and seizing over 100,000 counterfeit certificates linked to around 22 universities or institutions. Authorities estimated that up to 1 million fraudulent degrees could be in circulation. The forged documents primarily targeted fields like medicine, nursing, and engineering, and were sold for ₹75,000 to ₹1.5 lakh (roughly $900–$1,800 USD).
One institution highlighted in related reporting is Manav Bharti University, which reportedly sold about 36,025 fake degrees while awarding far fewer legitimate ones (around 5,455). Fake degrees from such operations reportedly cost as little as $1,400.
The issue has recently reignited after Fox News anchor Kayleigh McEnany posted a video on social media highlighting concerns about the H-1B visa program, which allows employers to hire foreign workers in “specialty occupations” requiring at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
In the post, McEnany cited figures on visa approvals since 2015 and referenced allegations from a former official, reported by Newsweek, regarding widespread fraud and the use of fraudulent documentation in some H-1B applications originating from India. .
These documents were allegedly used for jobs and visa applications abroad, including in the U.S. While direct links to specific approved H-1B visas would require further investigation by U.S. authorities, the scale raises serious questions about credential verification in the immigration process.
Broader Allegations of Fraud in Indian H-1B Applications
A former U.S. consular officer, Mahvash Siddiqui, who adjudicated thousands of visas (including many H-1Bs) at the U.S. consulate in Chennai, India, alleged in 2025 that 80–90% of H-1B applications from the region involved fraudulent documentation or unqualified applicants. She described forged degrees, transcripts, employment letters, and other supporting materials, often facilitated by visa consultancies.
India dominates H-1B approvals (often around 70% in recent years), making these claims particularly relevant to program integrity.
U.S. agencies like USCIS and the Department of Labor have long acknowledged fraud risks in the H-1B program, including indicators such as wage violations, benching (non-payment while awaiting projects), and misrepresentation of job duties or worksites. Audits have previously found notable fraud rates. uscis.gov
Hellbound and Down 