A fourth-year student has been arrested for operating a sophisticated online syndicate that sells counterfeit Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) papers.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) announced the breakthrough on October 12, 2025, as part of intensified efforts to curb examination fraud ahead of the national exams.

“Detectives attached to Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) have arrested a crafty university student accused of orchestrating an elaborate online scam selling fake KNEC examination papers,” read the DCI statement in part.

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KNEC exam scam

According to the DCI, the person of interest was apprehended in Kianjai, Tigania West Sub-County, following a meticulously planned operation by detectives attached to KNEC.

Investigations revealed that the person of interest was operating an online platform under the banner “The Teacher’s KNEC Exam 2025,” through which he sold fake examination papers to unsuspecting members of the public.

The student used multiple online aliases, including Chat GPT, to conceal his identity and target students, parents, and teachers seeking shortcuts to exam success.

Detectives recovered 29 Airtel SIM cards, six mobile phones, two laptops, and several Safaricom and Telkom SIM cards, among other items believed to have been used in the fraudulent activities.

“When detectives finally closed in, they recovered 29 Airtel SIM cards, six mobile phones, two laptops, and several Safaricom and Telkom SIM cards, among other incriminating items believed to have been used in the scam.”

DCI said the operation to dismantle the syndicate involved extensive digital surveillance and collaboration with KNEC. “Meanwhile, the DCI and KNEC have intensified a joint crackdown on individuals and syndicates peddling fake examination materials across the country.”

Crackdown intensifies nationwide

Members of the public have been urged to remain vigilant and avoid engaging with fraudsters claiming to provide genuine examination materials. The agencies emphasised that all official exams are securely administered by KNEC under strict integrity and security protocols.

“Members of the public are warned against engaging with fraudsters claiming to sell genuine examination papers, as all official exams are securely administered and protected by strict integrity measures.”