The Security Investigation Agency under Phu Tho Provincial Police has launched criminal proceedings and detained Do Van Manh along with two employees on charges of fraud and property appropriation.
Investigators said Manh, 44, directed the operation of a scheme that organised online English exams and issued certificates based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages without approval in Vietnam.
Police carry out a remand order against Do Van Manh, chairman of the council of the Institute of Educational Management Science (Photo: Phu Tho newspaper).
Police alleged that the suspects exploited demand for quick and easy foreign language certificates by advertising misleading information and issuing fake certificates to tens of thousands of people, illegally earning nearly VND 200 billion (approximately USD 7.8 million).
Initial findings showed the group used a legal entity in Vietnam to sign cooperation agreements with a legal entity in the United States to create a cover and avoid scrutiny from authorities.
The suspects allegedly organised enrollment, testing and certificate issuance in a manner similar to organisations approved by Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training, causing many people to trust the operation without verifying the legal validity of the certificates.
Investigators have urged individuals who took exams organised by Manh’s network to proactively contact police for guidance in accordance with the law.