Caivano – Classes never attended, grades fabricated, and high school diplomas awarded without ever having set foot in the classroom. This is the picture that emerged from a complex investigation by the Prosecutor's Office of North Naples, which led to the execution of a precautionary interdiction order against managers, administrators, and teachers of a private school and a vocational training center operating between the municipalities of Crispano and Caivano.
The investigation, conducted by the Carabinieri of the Caivano Company, revealed the existence of a veritable criminal conspiracy, aimed at the systematic production of false documents. This criminal organization effectively transformed education into an illicit market, defrauding dozens of young people of their right to education.
School fakes and invented attendance
The core of the illegal activity, according to investigators, revolved around the falsification of school records. To ensure the issuance of fake diplomas, attendance records that had never occurred were certified, and fictitious grades were awarded to students who were systematically absent from classes.
The fraudulent practices also involved numerous minors still subject to compulsory education, who were found to be engaged exclusively in vocational training courses or even already working prematurely, while their school records were falsified to certify that they had not fulfilled their obligation.
Family discounts and illicit profits
The investigation also shed light on a fully-fledged illicit business agreement between the management of the private institute and the training center. To attract an ever-increasing number of students and increase profits, families were offered significant tuition discounts in exchange for transferring or re-enrolling students. This pact was signed to the detriment of the quality of education and the children's right to education.
Corruption, misdirection and the position of an agent
The circumstantial evidence is further aggravated by further incidents that emerged during the investigation. Investigators suspect a corrupt agreement to obtain a higher education qualification in exchange for a large sum of money. Furthermore, during a document access operation at the private school, misleading actions were allegedly implemented to hinder the investigation.
Finally, the Prosecutor's Office charges a member of the Municipal Police, along with a female employee and the manager of the Vocational Training Center, with the crime of undue inducement for facilitating enrollment in courses at lower prices than those advertised.
In addition to the prohibitive measures for the individuals involved, the company that manages the school facilities will have to answer for the administrative offenses provided for by Legislative Decree 231/2001, which regulates the liability of entities for crimes committed in their interest or to their advantage by individuals in senior positions.
Source EDITORIAL TEAM
Comments (1)
This article highlights a serious problem in the education system. It's incredible how something like this could happen. Those responsible for this fraud should be severely punished and ensure it never happens again.