The Public Prosecutor's Office of Paraguay is now investigating more than 300 fake degrees within the Ministry of Education and Sciences (MEC), double the 145 cases initially reported in June. Prosecutor Teresa Sosa Laconich, who is leading the investigation, confirmed that the number continues to rise and estimates that the network of fraudulent documents within the education sector could be massive.
According to the investigation, MEC officials who presented fake diplomas in their resumes hold high-level positions and receive salaries exceeding five monthly minimum wages, surpassing G. 15,000,000, in addition to bonuses for fraudulent specializations, master's, or doctoral degrees. The prosecutor highlighted that many of these positions are well-paid and involve administrative or teaching roles.
Approximately 90% of the fake diplomas use the logo of the Universidad Autónoma de Asunción (UAA), but the institution stated that signatures and seals were altered by third parties. In a criminal case opened in 2024, 14 teachers have already been indicted, and there is evidence that at least 1,500 fake degrees exist in the field of Education Sciences alone.
Prosecutor Sosa reported that she will request a meeting with the Minister of Education, Luis Ramírez, and his technical team to deepen the investigations and expedite the analysis of the cases. The objective is to ensure the reports are accurate and that the scheme of fraudulent degree certifications is completely dismantled.