Three men have been sentenced for their role in a construction test fraud scheme that allowed more than 70 candidates to cheat health and safety exams.
The investigation, led by the Metropolitan Police, uncovered a year-long operation involving the use of Bluetooth earpieces to feed answers to test candidates at centres across London.
The case came to light after concerns were raised by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), which flagged unusual activity linked to its testing system. Officers then carried out surveillance at multiple test centres, working alongside Pearson Professional Assessments to identify those involved.
At Snaresbrook Crown Court on 31 March, three men were sentenced after pleading guilty to fraud by false representation.
Sushil Kumar, 37, was jailed for two years and eight months.
Pradeep Sheragar, 35, received a two-year suspended sentence.
Jaspal Sani, 43, was given a one year and three month suspended sentence.
Police said candidates paid up to £850 to receive answers during exams. The group is believed to have made more than £60,000.
Detective Sergeant Neil Stanley said the scheme exploited individuals seeking work while putting others at risk.
“Falsifying results is extremely dangerous and poses a risk to site workers,” he said. “This showed a clear disregard for safety.”
The fraud directly undermined the integrity of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS), which requires workers to pass health and safety tests before accessing sites.
CITB said it would work with CSCS to revoke any qualifications obtained fraudulently.
Christopher Simpson, Head of CITB Standards Setting Body, said: “Cheats and fraudsters who circumvent these safety critical exams are putting lives at risk.”
The organisation has urged the industry to report suspected fraud and warned that further action will be taken against those attempting to bypass safety requirements.
