Telegram Admins Busted in Exam Cheating Scandal
Six administrators of Telegram groups who were suspected of involvement in the ongoing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examination malpractices have been detained by the police.
A joint operation was initiated by the police, involving multiple agencies, including CAK and DCI officers affiliated with the Kenya National Examinations Council and all telecommunications service providers.
In violation of the KNEC Act and regulations, the monitoring team identified more than 32 social media platforms being used to distribute, trade, and post examination materials.
The 32 suspicious telegram platforms were enumerated by the Communications Authority of Kenya in October. Among these platforms, 30 remained operational and boasted memberships exceeding 193,000 parents and students.
After the initial suspect, Mr. Examiner, was apprehended, more than 60,000 members of the groups disbanded, leaving a staggering 130,000 members in active participation, according to the police.
The suspect was a CRE instructor at a Kiambu County private school.
By November 4, six more administrators, according to the police, coordinated the fraud by sharing, selling, and publishing examination materials through various Telegram groups.
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The renowned suspect known as Professor, according to the DCI, was in charge of one of the most coveted telegram groups.
The assemblage was referred to as the Teacher’s Updates and amassed an audience of over 18,000.
Within his group, he urged pupils, parents, and educators to “simplify yourselves; we are here to provide the necessary assistance.”
Additionally, two students from Thika Medical School, one aged 19 and the other aged 20, were apprehended by the police.
An additional administrator, aged 20, was apprehended while attempting to contact customer service at a Safaricom store following the suspension of the line she used to access her Telegram account.
The six individuals were arraigned on Monday and formally charged with the dissemination of false information, among other offenses.
“The DCI reminds youngsters holding on to the illusion that there exists a shortcut to riches and greatness, other than legitimate ventures, that such fraudulent practices are a sure way to a very small world within high walls.”
Telegram Admins Busted in Exam Cheating Scandal