Diploma mill scammer sentenced to 21 months in prison

Umair Hamid was sentenced to 21 months in prison for his role in an international diploma mill scheme operated through the Pakistani company Axact.

Hamid pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. According to documents in the case, Hamid helped run a massive diploma mill through his employer, Axact, a leading information technology provider. Hamid and his co-conspirators allegedly deceived individuals across the world, including the United States, into enrolling in supposed high schools, colleges, and universities.

Consumers paid upfront fees, believing that in return they would be enrolled in educational courses and eventually, receive legitimate degrees. Instead, consumers allegedly received no instruction and worthless diplomas. Hamid served most recently as Axact's Assistant Vice President of International Relations.