EACC cracks down on forged credentials in public service

Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) CEO Twalib Mbarak. [Standard, File]

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has issued a directive to halt payments and other financial benefits to public employees implicated in academic certificate forgery cases.

EACC boss Twalib Mbarak, in a statement on Monday, March 11, urged all public institutions to rigorously verify the academic and professional credentials of their staff.

"It has come to the attention of the Commission that some public institutions have permitted officers with forged credentials to resign or retire early, processing their benefits unlawfully," Mbarak said.

"Accounting and authorized officers are advised against processing any benefits, including pensions, unpaid allowances, or accrued leave for individuals employed under fraudulent qualifications."

Mbarak emphasised the necessity of reclaiming all earnings obtained under false pretenses and called for the submission of all forgery cases to the EACC.

The move by EACC follows the Public Service Commission's February report, which identified over 2,000 government employees with counterfeit academic certificates.

The EACC has since appealed to employers to authenticate certificates for prospective hires and urged educational institutions to fortify their systems against fraud.