On 18/5, the Internal Political Security Division (PA03) of Ho Chi Minh City Police issued administrative penalties to a female graduate student and another individual for engaging in exam substitution and hiring an exam substitute. The incident occurred during a 6-level English proficiency assessment organized by Van Lang University.

Investigative agency imposes administrative penalties for exam fraud. *Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police*

The female student received a fine of VND 15 million, in accordance with Decree No. 04/2021/ND-CP, which was amended and supplemented by Decree No. 127/2021/ND-CP. Beyond the financial penalty, those involved face cancellation of their exam results, directly impacting their academic progress, graduation, and personal reputation.

The fraud was uncovered when police, working with the Van Lang University Exam Council, identified a suspicious individual during a routine check and cross-referencing of candidate information. Upon questioning, the individual admitted to taking the exam on behalf of another person.

Both women were summoned for questioning. The graduate student confessed that she lacked confidence in her own English abilities but urgently required a B2 English certificate to complete her master's degree procedures. This led her to arrange for someone to take the exam in her place.

Ho Chi Minh City Police issued a stern warning to the public, particularly students and graduate students, to refrain from any form of exam fraud or abetting such actions. They emphasized that using substitutes for exams undermines fairness and objectivity, violates the law, and could lead to criminal prosecution if severe consequences arise.

Nhat Vy