Montenegro Targets Fake Diplomas with New Criminal Charges

Montenegro’s Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation is taking decisive action against the long-standing issue of fake diplomas. Minister Anđela Jakšić Stojanović announced that the ministry has filed over 100 criminal charges related to suspected fraudulent diplomas, with an increase in submissions expected in the coming weeks. During a recent appearance on TV Vijesti, she revealed that just last Friday, the ministry submitted 10 criminal charges, and anticipates a significant rise in new cases within the next two to three weeks.

A concerning trend has emerged, with an increasing number of falsified secondary school diplomas being reported, marking a shift from previous issues predominantly focused on higher education credentials. “This is alarming. We are now seeing many cases of counterfeit high school diplomas, not just those from universities,” Jakšić Stojanović stated.

Suspension of Diploma Recognition

The Montenegrin government has temporarily suspended the recognition of diplomas from seven higher education institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including those from Sokolac and Tutin. Minister Jakšić Stojanović expressed her expectation that further suspensions will occur as new laws provide a legal framework for effective action against fraudulent qualifications.

According to her, the new legislation enables the ministry, in collaboration with the Council for Higher Education and the National Council, to identify institutions with questionable standards. They can suspend diploma recognition while thorough verifications are conducted.

Plans for a Digital Diploma Registry

One of the key obstacles in addressing this issue has been the absence of a centralized database. “Previously, everything was done manually, on paper, reminiscent of practices from 15 years ago,” Jakšić Stojanović explained. The ministry is now working on establishing a digital diploma registry, which will be accessible to employers. The minister anticipates that this service will be fully digitalized by early 2026.

She noted that the ministry has already digitized over 10 public services, including applications for kindergartens, schools, scholarships, and loans, significantly reducing administrative barriers.

The issue of fake diplomas has persisted for decades, but Jakšić Stojanović emphasized that systemic solutions are finally being implemented. “All school directors have been tasked with verifying the diplomas of their staff. The deadline for submitting reports is set for October 2023, and we expect concrete data soon,” she added.

In the healthcare sector, an additional verification mechanism is in place. The Medical Faculty at the University of Montenegro conducts a qualification equivalence process, which has become more rigorous. Candidates whose qualifications do not match must take differential exams, serving as another layer of scrutiny for dubious diplomas.

Addressing Bullying and Violence in Schools

Alongside the crackdown on fake diplomas, Jakšić Stojanović addressed the rising issue of bullying in schools, highlighting that it extends beyond educational institutions. “Violence occurs everywhere—on the streets, in the media, and on social networks. Our children are merely reflecting the behavioral patterns they observe in society. This is not solely the responsibility of the Ministry of Education but of the entire system,” she remarked.

Currently, over 200 security personnel are engaged in schools, and their contracts will be extended into the next semester. Although this measure is temporary, she noted that security staff often cannot prevent violence occurring outside school grounds. Therefore, the ministry is pushing for community policing initiatives, hoping the Ministry of Internal Affairs will deploy new police personnel for this purpose.

In addition to security personnel, there are 25 assistants focused on combating violence in schools. Recent legislative changes have strengthened parental responsibilities and facilitated the prosecution of child neglect cases. “Parents must be aware of their responsibilities. They need to know where their child is, who they associate with, and engage in conversations with them. Without the family’s involvement, there is no solution to this issue,” stressed Jakšić Stojanović.

To enhance support services, the ministry has significantly increased the number of pedagogues and psychologists in schools. “Now, all schools with over 100 students are entitled to a pedagogue or psychologist, with larger schools having access to additional professionals. This enables us to focus more on prevention rather than simply reacting to incidents after they occur,” she concluded.

While the prohibition of mobile phones in schools has been implemented, Jakšić Stojanović admitted that adherence to this rule is still inconsistent. “We have sent letters to all directors emphasizing that school board decisions must be followed. If measures are not enforced, we will need to increase oversight and introduce sanctions, as this is part of our responsibility,” she stated.