Madagascar: a presumed network of fake diplomas dismantled in Antananarivo

The case began on August 5, when a young woman presented herself at the Baccalaureate Office to certify a copy of her diploma. An academic official then noted some irregularities. The checks established that the candidate had never obtained the baccalaureate after failing the exam in 2024.

The investigation led the authorities to a network allegedly run by the director of a private school. Several employees from the University of Antananarivo, as well as an agent from the Baccalaureate Office, are suspected of having participated in the scheme. Investigations still need to determine the exact role of each of the individuals involved.

Among the eleven individuals involved, five officials have been placed under detention order at the Antanimora prison. The candidate is being prosecuted under judicial supervision, while five other employees have been released. These measures are part of the ongoing proceedings and do not prejudge the judicial outcome of the case.

A national campaign against fake diplomas

The case arises in a context of growing concerns over the forgery of school and university documents in Madagascar. Last December, the Independent Anti-Corruption Office (Bianco) launched a specific campaign regarding fake diplomas. The operation recorded 272 complaints in the span of a month.

Another scandal had already erupted in April within the Port and Maritime Agency. Eleven people were then implicated in a similar case, according to available information.

On July 22, the Ministry of National Education and Bianco signed an agreement aimed at strengthening the fight against corruption in the education sector. This agreement includes enhanced cooperation between the two institutions, while the new case was revealed less than a month after its signing.