Criminals sell fake care diplomas, endangering vulnerable patients
A significant number of care worker diplomas obtained through accelerated routes in the Netherlands may have been fraudulently acquired, with reports indicating that over a third of these qualifications could be fraudulent. The Dutch Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (IGJ) and the Public Prosecution Service (OM) revealed the findings to NOS Nieuwsuur, highlighting the risks posed by workers who may have entered the care sector without proper training, NOS reports.
The fraud centers around companies selling ready-made experience certificates, known as EVC certificates, which can be converted into official care diplomas or registrations for youth care workers. These certificates are typically meant for individuals with relevant work experience but no formal qualifications. However, criminal organizations have exploited the system, selling these certificates without actually verifying the candidates' experience.
The OM is investigating one of the companies involved, with other agencies under scrutiny. Between 800 and 1,200 certificates issued by one company alone are suspected to be fraudulent. The problem is particularly prevalent in the care sector, where demand for workers is high due to ongoing staff shortages.
Once converted into an MBO diploma or youth care registration, these certificates are indistinguishable from traditional qualifications to employers.
Wim Vernes, head of investigations at the IGJ, emphasized the serious risks posed by the fraudulent diplomas. "We’re seeing cases of vulnerable individuals, such as people with disabilities, being harmed because they’re being cared for by individuals who lack the proper training," said Vernes. "For example, disabled individuals suffering from burns after being placed in a bath by someone who doesn’t know how to do it safely. We’ve also seen mistakes made with lifting machines and catheter insertion."
Education Minister Eppo Bruins (NSC) expressed shock over the extent of the fraudulent diplomas in vocational education. He urged MBO schools to be cautious about granting exemptions based on certificates.
The Ministry of Education has requested that MBO schools review the diplomas that were granted exemptions, including verifying the underlying documents of graduates. However, this is not without risk, as several schools that have ceased collaborating with certificate agencies have reported receiving threats. Both the Education Inspectorate and the Ministry of Education have confirmed these threats, which Bruins described as "unacceptable and very concerning."
The MBO Council has assured that it is working with law enforcement agencies to address the issue and protect the value of diplomas. However, concerns continue over the influence of criminal organizations in the sector, with Vernes noting that some groups are deliberately placing unqualified individuals in youth care positions to exploit vulnerable young people.
"We see that some criminal organizations are intentionally placing people in youth care," Vernes said, citing drug criminals as a possible example. "They could be targeting vulnerable people to become customers or potential workers for their operations."
Jeugdzorg Nederland, the branch organization for youth care, has warned its members about the issue, and the Quality Register for Youth (SKJ), which youth care workers must register with, has temporarily halted new registrations based on EVC certificates. The SKJ is currently reviewing 3,500 existing registrations. Youth care workers who fail to provide the necessary documentation will lose their registration.
