Investigation Underway into Fake Academic Documents in Insurance Companies

Kathmandu — After receiving reports that many employees in insurance companies may have submitted fake academic certificates, the Insurance Authority has launched an investigation and is moving ahead with immediate disciplinary action.

There have been repeated complaints suggesting that a significant number of individuals obtained jobs using fraudulent academic documents. Just last month, an employee at one insurance company was dismissed following the Authority’s directive after being found to hold a fake certificate. Acting on complaints, the Authority monitored employees at the company, identified those with fraudulent credentials, and ensured their removal.

According to an official at the Insurance Authority, it is estimated that at least 25 percent of employees may have submitted fake academic certificates. About a decade ago, the Authority had raised concerns about the academic qualifications of insurance company staff. Since then, however, no systematic verification or review of certificates has taken place.

“We are conducting a serious investigation into this issue. Similar concerns have been raised many times in the past,” the official said. “Strict action will be taken against anyone who has submitted certificates that exceed their actual qualifications. This will apply not only to individuals but also to the companies involved.”

The Authority plans to increase scrutiny of employees who claim to have studied at universities in India. Even when individuals have completed their education abroad, they are required to obtain an equivalency certificate from Tribhuvan University. Without this certification, foreign academic qualifications are not considered legally valid. The official added that while there have been reports of certificates from various foreign universities, these claims have not yet been fully verified.

Susheel Dev Subedi, Executive Director and spokesperson for the Insurance Authority, stated that the Authority has been actively investigating such cases and taking prompt action. “Both obtaining a job with fake academic certificates and hiring someone on that basis are criminal offenses,” he said. “The Authority is continuing its investigations and enforcing penalties where necessary.”

He also noted that such fraudulent certificates may have been submitted not at the time of hiring but during promotions. He added that this type of misconduct is more likely to occur among senior employees than junior staff.