The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has launched a major crackdown on a dangerous network involved in producing and selling forged educational documents, leading to the arrest of ten individuals posing as qualified medical professionals across Punjab.
Widespread Network of Fraud Exposed
Acting on credible intelligence, the FIA's Cyber Crime Wing in Lahore spearheaded the operation. The investigation revealed a sophisticated racket where individuals were obtaining fake Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degrees and other medical credentials. These forged documents were then used to secure employment as doctors in various healthcare facilities, putting countless patients at grave risk.
The arrests were not confined to Lahore. The FIA team conducted simultaneous raids in multiple cities, including Faisalabad, Sargodha, and Chiniot, indicating the extensive reach of the fraudulent network. Among those apprehended are the alleged kingpins involved in the creation and distribution of the counterfeit degrees, as well as individuals who used them to practice medicine illegally.
How the Fake Documents Racket Operated
Preliminary findings suggest the accused operated a well-organized scheme. The masterminds behind the racket are accused of fabricating high-quality replicas of degrees from legitimate medical institutions. These fake documents were then sold to individuals who had either failed to complete their medical education or had never enrolled in a medical college at all.
Using these forged certificates, the fake doctors managed to deceive hospital administrations and secure jobs. They were then treating patients, prescribing medication, and performing medical duties without any legitimate training or qualifications. This posed a severe and direct threat to public health and safety.
Ongoing Investigations and Public Safety Concerns
The FIA has registered multiple cases against the arrested individuals under relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). Authorities are now deepening the investigation to uncover the full scope of the network.
Investigators are focused on several key questions: identifying all individuals who purchased the fake degrees, determining how many healthcare facilities employed these unqualified practitioners, and assessing the potential harm caused to patients. The FIA has also urged both public and private medical institutions to rigorously verify the credentials of their medical staff through direct checks with the Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC) and relevant universities.
This alarming case highlights a critical vulnerability in the healthcare system's verification processes. It underscores the urgent need for institutions to adopt more stringent digital verification methods to prevent such dangerous fraud. The crackdown serves as a stern warning to others involved in similar illegal activities across the country.
