Following accusations in the US of 69 Saudis holding fake degrees from American Universities the Ministry of Higher Education confirmed that it will probe the allegations, Al-Watan reported. A newspaper in Washington published the list of 180 people who purchased fake high school and college degrees. Sixty-eight from the UAE were also identified as well as others from around the Gulf. The fraud came to light following the indictment and conviction of eight people involved in running the scam after being apprehended by the US Attorney's Office in “Operation Gold Seal.” The ringleader of the scam, a 58-year-old high school dropout, has been jailed for three years, the Washington newspaper reported. Muhammed Al-Awahli, undersecretary at the Ministry of Higher Education for Educational Affairs said the ministry will examine the credibility of the list of suspected fake degree holders especially for those teaching at Saudi universities. He said some of the people listed may not be working in higher education but any who are found with fake degrees will be dealt with through the proper channels. Al-Awahli said every person applying for a teaching position at a Saudi university has their qualifications and credentials verified. He said the Ministry is working to identify unaccredited institutions and help Saudis avoid coming into contact with them. The ministry also urged the interested students to visit the ministry's website www.mohe.gov.sa to find the names of foreign universities recommended by the ministry. __
