It’s easy enough math and it’s a law that is applied almost everywhere around the world, especially in the Gulf: Fake Documents = Jail Time. But apparently it’s not that well-known after all, at least, not until after over a hundred cases of falsified documents were brought forth by the Public Prosecution of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department just recently. These cases included all sorts of falsified documents from fake degrees to counterfeit teaching qualifications, the former making up 10% and the latter making up 40% of all falsified documents in the first half of 2014.
All suspects convicted face charges of forging an official document, faking a stamp and attempting to use the fake document for official purposes. These charges can result in excess of a full decade in jail time, while the lesser conviction of photocopying and subsequently tampering with official documents can face up to half of that time. Sources originating from the Public Prosecution have warned the public of unverified websites as these have contributed greatly to the rising numbers of cases:
“The advertisements usually target those wanting qualifications without having to enrol in a university causing people to fall for these lies and place themselves in legal trouble.â€
The websites target job seekers typically and have gone as far as to email the victim in some cases. Unlicensed realtors are also frequently involved in such cases and as of such, the Public Prosecution has advised the public to ensure they deal with verified individuals. Such cases include that of a Pakistani man, recently married, who has been charged with forging a degree in engineering to impress his father-in-law. However, upon attempting to get it attested from the Ministry of Higher Education, he was arrested and taken to court.
Please make sure that you are always using legitimate qualifications otherwise you may find your endeavour in finding a position suddenly cut short. SeekTeachers places qualified teachers all around the world, why not sign up with us today and check out some of our current jobs?
[Source: Zawya – Fake degree could land you in jail, official warns]