Montenegro is set to implement tougher measures against the use of fake and purchased diplomas, with upcoming legal amendments aiming to criminalize the buying of academic credentials and enforce stricter verification processes.
Minister of Education, Science and Innovation Andjela Jaksic Stojanovic recently announced the reforms, stressing the need for serious institutional checks. The Center for Civic Education (CGO) welcomed the initiative but emphasized that success depends on thorough, non-selective enforcement, inter-institutional cooperation, and public involvement.
CGO legal advisor Snezana Kaludjerovic warned that fake diplomas, many of which originate from the region, damage trust in institutions and can pose real risks in critical sectors. She noted that fraud can sometimes be detected through discrepancies in records, visual irregularities, or testimonies, though complex cases may require international checks and legal proceedings.
Despite increased awareness, convictions remain rare. Just three prison sentences have been issued in recent years, and while dozens of charges have been filed, Kaludjerovic stressed the need for prosecutors to act swiftly to send a clear message that fraudulent education will not be tolerated.
