Fake Cambridge International found issuing fraudulent English certificates to officials

The Ministry of Public Security on Monday issued a warning about schemes where foreign organizations are impersonated to conduct fake international English certification exams.

This warning followed a case uncovered by Hanoi police, who recommended the prosecution of Le Van Vang, 43, Luong Viet Anh, 37, and several others for "fraudulently obtaining assets" through the organization of fake English exams and issuing certificates under the name Cambridge International.

According to police, Vang founded Cambridge International in 2021, intending to offer English courses. However, due to Covid-19 restrictions, he was unable to implement his plan.

At the same time, Vang noticed that many individuals with limited English proficiency required certificates for job applications. He then partnered with the Institute for Education Development Cooperation Research, headed by Anh, under the Vietnam Association of Psychological and Educational Sciences.

The logo of Le Van Vang's fake Cambridge International organization. Photo by police

Together, they organized English exams and issued certificates using the Cambridge International name. They marketed the organization as a globally recognized provider of international language certifications, attracting candidates who needed certificates and allowing them to fraudulently collect money.

Vang fabricated a document titled "LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE" on May 21, 2021, and signed it under the name Max Mooney, complete with a fake red round seal labeled "CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL CEFR."

Using this document, Vang provided Anh with a Vietnamese version of the letter for promotional purposes. They began administering online exams for candidates seeking certificates on Sept. 25, 2022.

The suspects purchased two websites, cambridgetest.online and cbriglobal.info, and hired developers to create an online exam platform. The test assessed four skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—and was scored automatically.

For the speaking portion, candidates recorded their responses and sent them to an email address set up by Anh.

The scoring system closely resembled that of the IELTS international English exam, further building trust among participants. Anh also provided candidates with a service to check their results online.

During the investigation in April, authorities seized two seals bearing the name Cambridge International and several documents related to the exam and certificate issuance process.

Vang and Anh admitted to organizing the exams and issuing around 4,200 English certificates under the Cambridge International name. Many of the recipients were officials and state employees. Each certificate was sold for between VND2.3 million and VND18 million (US$92-722), depending on the types.

Le Van Vang (2nd, R) wear a mask as a police officer reads a statement to arrest him. Photo by police

After months of investigation, Hanoi police recommended a review of those who used English certificates issued under the fake Cambridge International.

Subsequently, the Ministry of Home Affairs sent official letters to ministries, government agencies, and provincial and municipal People's Committees, asking them to review public servants' profiles to identify individuals who had declared these fraudulent language certificates.

If officials or civil servants are found to have used certificates from this non-existent organization, relevant authorities have been advised to take appropriate action.

The Ministry of Home Affairs also urged agencies to raise awareness and advise officials against participating in English certification exams from unregistered organizations.