UK tutor jailed for £300k exam fraud scheme

A private tutor in the United Kingdom has been sentenced to three years in prison after running a large-scale academic fraud scheme in which he

LIVERPOOL: A private tutor in the United Kingdom has been sentenced to three years in prison after running a large-scale academic fraud scheme in which he completed exams and coursework on behalf of more than 120 university students.

Shahid Adnan, 43, carried out assignments, online tests, and examinations for students at Liverpool John Moores University, charging fees for his services and earning an estimated £300,000 through the illegal operation.

The scam was uncovered in February 2023 when a student submitted a USB drive containing suspicious coursework to a university academic. A detailed investigation by university staff revealed irregular access patterns linked to Adnan.

Further forensic checks showed that he had created a company and used it to manage student data, including login credentials, coursework deadlines, and exam materials. Authorities also discovered evidence that he had accessed university systems using student accounts without authorisation.

Investigators found that Adnan was running multiple bank accounts with unusually large sums of money, far exceeding his declared income as a private tutor and delivery driver. His accounts reportedly contained millions in transactions, and he was living a lifestyle supported by luxury vehicles, high-end property furnishings, and expensive assets.

Police also identified possible links to students at other universities, suggesting that his fraudulent services may have extended beyond one institution.

During questioning, Adnan admitted to completing an exam on behalf of a student and receiving payment for doing so. He later pleaded guilty to fraud-related charges and money laundering offences at Liverpool Crown Court.

Prosecutors said he deliberately used multiple financial channels to hide the proceeds of his crimes and avoid detection. Authorities described his financial activity as complex and designed to obscure the origin of the funds.

Law enforcement officials praised the university staff whose vigilance helped expose the scheme, calling the case an example of the serious risks posed by academic cheating networks.

Officials warned that such fraud undermines the credibility of higher education and allows unqualified individuals to obtain degrees without the necessary skills or knowledge.