Photo courtesy of Vietnam News

Authorities in northern Việt Nam have dismantled a significant fraud ring involved in illegally organising English language tests and issuing certificates, impacting tens of thousands. Police in Phú Thọ Province, along with the Ministry of Public Security, uncovered that the Institute of Educational Management Sciences (IEMS) allegedly conducted unlawful English exams, earning an estimated VNĐ200 billion (US$7.6 million).

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The investigation led to criminal proceedings and arrests of three key figures: Đỗ Văn Mạnh, chairman of IEMS, Đặng Thị Huyền, an employee, and Jayaprakash Ethamukkalam, an Indian national associated with Bright Online LLC Academy. Allegations claim Mạnh collaborated with foreign partners since 2020, transforming an online platform into “Bright Online LLC Academy” to issue unlicensed English certificates.

The fraudulent scheme advertised certificates as equivalent to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), deceiving candidates with claims of legal validity. Examination fees varied between VNĐ2 million (about $80) to VNĐ18 million (over $680), depending on the level. Despite its Delaware registration, Bright Online LLC lacked authorisation to conduct exams or issue recognised certificates under U.S. regulations.

Mạnh directed the production of certificate templates in Việt Nam, falsely bearing official seals and signatures. Since 2020, approximately 125 examination sessions were organised for 80,000 candidates, generating significant illicit profits. The ongoing investigation urges agencies to scrutinise foreign language certificates linked to IEMS and provide information to support further inquiry.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · Vietnam News · 07 Mar 2026

Fraud Ring Busted in Vietnam for 'Fake English' Tests

Were they teaching US English rather than proper English? 🤓