IN THE SPOT LIGHT : APMF – Dismantling of a fraudulent diploma network, 11 individuals remanded in custody

The Independent Anti-Corruption Bureau (BIANCO) has uncovered an organized network allegedly involved in document fraud  within   the Port, Maritime and River Agency (APMF), following a referral concerning the conduct of certain staff members.

The case originated from an investigation conducted in 2025 by BIANCO investigators, after the discovery that a senior APMF official had used a fraudulent diploma. This situation led to the expansion of the investigation to other diplomas purportedly issued by the same university, which had come under suspicion. These checks resulted in the identification of ten additional diplomas suspected to be fraudulent.

Investigations revealed that the individuals implicated, competing with honest officials, allegedly obtained fake diplomas in order to access more advantageous positions or benefit from salary reclassification within the public service. To this end, they reportedly turned to a senior official of a private higher education institution, who allegedly provided them with fake Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, along with a falsified accreditation list. This document, required for equivalency applications submitted to the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Civil Service ((MTEFoP), was allegedly used with the complicity of certain ministry officials. The forged documents were then included in the administrative files of the individuals concerned to secure undue professional advantages, including internal promotions and salary increases. The financial loss, resulting from the payment of undue salaries and related benefits, is estimated at over 160 million ariary, to the detriment of the APMF and, by extension, the State.

Thirteen individuals, including ten APMF officials, one official from the university involved, and two officials from the Ministry of Public Service, were brought before the Anti-Corruption Unit (PAC) of Antananarivo on 29 April 2026. Following the substantive hearing, eleven of them were remanded in custody at Antanimora Central Prison, pending trial.

This case highlights the existence of fraudulent practices aimed at circumventing career management mechanisms in the public sector, thereby undermining the principles of fairness, merit, and transparency. It also underscores the need to strengthen control and verification mechanisms for academic qualifications in administrative procedures.

BIANCO continues to actively combat fraud related to the use of fraudulent diplomas in the public sector, notably through targeted initiatives and institutional partnerships aimed at reinforcing verification and prevention mechanism.