More than 20 people accused of being part of a criminal network allegedly dedicated to the creation, sale and use of fake diplomas to obtain appointments as educators, were captured this Wednesday, August 26, in the execution of “Operation Credentials 1.0”, reported the Attorney General’s Office (PGN). The raids were carried out simultaneously in the provinces of Bocas del Toro, Chiriquí, Coclé, Panamá Oeste, Panamá, Colón and Darién.
The operation was led by the Second Superior Prosecutor’s Office against Organized Crime and the actions had the support of the Directorate of Judicial Investigation (DIJ) and the National Directorate of Police Intelligence of the National Police. During the proceedings, authorized by a judge’s order, prosecutors seized key evidence in the case. Among the items found were forged diplomas, university transcripts, invoices, and various technological devices allegedly used to falsify the documents.
The Origin of the Fraud in SIARHE.
The Prosecutor’s investigations formally began after complaints were filed by the Ministry of Education (Meduca). The institution detected serious irregularities within the Human Resources System (SIARHE), the official computer platform used to apply and select candidates in the Teacher Appointment Competitions.
Police dismantle network that forged qualifications to obtain teaching positions. Operation Credentials 1.0.
Modus Operandi.
According to preliminary investigations, the criminal group operated by producing and quickly selling counterfeit university degrees. To give their operations a veneer of legality, the network fraudulently used the names and logos of prestigious universities in the country. This allowed buyers to alter their scores in the system and illegally displace professors who did meet the legal requirements.
Charges and Legal Proceedings.
The detainees would be charged with the alleged commission of crimes against the Public Administration, against Public Faith and Illicit Association. The people arrested will be brought before the courts of guarantees. In these control hearings, the prosecutors will request the legalization of the arrests, the formulation of charges and the application of corresponding precautionary measures.
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