First prison sentences for fake diplomas
The tightening of penal policy regarding the possession of fake or false educational certificates has resulted in the first prison sentences for this criminal offense. This was announced to the RTCG Portal by the Minister of Education, Science and Innovation Anđela Jakšić-Stojanović.
She stated that during 2023, 28 criminal complaints were filed on suspicion of falsifying educational documents, 38 were filed in 2024, and during 2025 so far a total of 88 criminal complaints have been submitted.
- The position of the Ministry is that, for the sake of effective prevention, a strict penal policy is necessary when it comes to perpetrators of these offenses, bearing in mind that this concerns the protection of the public interest. It is encouraging that the public as a whole is these days witnessing a tightening of penal policy regarding the possession of fake or false educational certificates, and that we now have the first court rulings that include prison sentences for this criminal offense - Jakšić-Stojanović said.
She emphasized that the Ministry strongly advocates the rule of law, which is one of the key prerequisites for a prosperous society.
- The Ministry will continue, in all cases where there is reasonable suspicion that an educational certificate was obtained in a suspicious or unlawful manner, to file criminal complaints with the competent authorities - the Minister stated.
She added that full support will be provided to the prosecution and the police so that all those who have violated the laws of Montenegro face justice, regardless of their status or social position.