Fake diplomas: Kristal University (closed 2014) and Wisdom University College (Italian file, 2024)
Status: Kristal: closure and ministry findings; prosecution outcome not found. Wisdom: media reports of Italian file, Albanian follow-up not found
Summary
Kristal University was officially closed in 2014. The Education Ministry's preliminary check of its registers found 86 false diplomas issued after closure. The ministry said it would not legalise them. A 2014 government decision had closed 18 non-public institutions over fake diplomas (ANSA). The former owner was reported arrested for passive corruption in the private sector over an alleged law-degree sale for EUR 2,500, and for falsifying documents. The owner's name is not reproduced here.
In September 2024 media reported an Italian file on Wisdom University College in Tirana. Its administrators were reported arrested in Italy (Guardia di Finanza operation). The file mentions gifts being prepared for officials including former minister Evis Kushi, and media reported a wiretap suggesting accreditation officials were corrupted. Kushi denies any role. The ministry said it was following procedures to close the college.
Key facts
- Kristal University closed 2014 (government decision).
- 86 false diplomas identified (ministry preliminary verification, per Tiranatimes article, undated).
- Vice minister said 900 Italians were registered with Kristal, which had no Italian or English programmes (quote as reported).
- Wisdom: two Italian administrators reported arrested in Italy (search summary; article not opened).
- Kushi named in the Italian file as reported; she denies role in accreditation.
The record
Four lists kept apart on purpose: what is established, what is only alleged, what is still open, and what those concerned said.
What is proven (1)
Established by documents or official records, as stated in the research. A recorded charge or indictment proves only that the accusation was made.
- Ministry found 86 false diplomas issued by Kristal after its 2014 closure (ministry statement).
What is alleged (1)
Accusations, not findings. Those accused are presumed innocent.
- AllegationCorrupt accreditation influence and gifts to officials in the Wisdom Italian file (media report of file).
Allegations and who made them (1)
Each line is an allegation as recorded, with the person or body that made it where the record names them.
- AllegationFake diploma sales; accreditation officials allegedly corrupted (Italian file, as reported in media).
Open questions (3)
- Outcome of the Kristal owner's prosecution.
- Full content of Italian file and any Albanian findings on Wisdom.
- Whether gifts were given and to whom.
Responses (1)
Responses of the people and organisations concerned, as recorded.
- Evis Kushi denies MAS is part of accreditation and denies exchanging gifts (Balkanweb, 2024-09-17).
Timeline
Full timeline →Media
Media report Italian file on Wisdom University College; Kushi denies role
Balkanweb reported the Italian file naming former minister Evis Kushi (gifts reportedly prepared for her). Kushi denied that the ministry is part of accreditation and denied exchanging gifts.
Sources for this record
Every source the research cites for this record, grouped by its source label. 5 sources.
Source label: Officially reportedOfficially reported · 2 sources
- Publisher
- Tirana Times
- Date
- 2018
- Publisher
- ANSA
- Date
- 7 Aug 2014
Source label: Under investigationUnder investigation · 3 sources
- Publisher
- Balkanweb
- Date
- 17 Sep 2024
- Publisher
- Top Channel
- Date
- Sep 2024
- Publisher
- Telegrafi
- Date
- not recorded