BTG uncovers fraudulent funding claims at higher education college

The Challenge

BTG was instructed by a higher education college to investigate third-party course providers following whistleblower allegations that students had been awarded certificates for courses they had not completed. Indications suggested a third-party provider had submitted fraudulent funding claims for courses not provided and students not taught. The sensitive nature required careful handling due to concerns of individuals involved, whilst establishing the extent of fraudulent activity and quantifying financial impact.

Our Approach

We conducted carefully managed interviews with the whistleblower and other students, undertook comprehensive documentation review including emails, course completion certificates, attendance records, and student workbooks, and performed intelligence searches reviewing for ghost student records. We also reviewed policies and procedures for appointing course providers to assist the college in strengthening these processes.

The Outcome

We provided a comprehensive report identifying several potential fraudulent claims made by course providers, which was reported to the college's regulators. The college quantified fraudulent claims to consider recovery action and reviewed its policies and procedures to implement more robust safeguards against future fraudulent funding claims.