Reports have it that a Ukrainian Businessman have been exploiting the reputation of the Oxford University to sell millions of pounds worth of ‘fake’ honors.
The European Business Assembly have been accused of advertising opportunities to get ‘boosts and recognition from Oxford’ on its website where it invites people to apply for non-affiliated awards that costs up to £9,300. they also go as far as using images of oxford colleges in its adverts, using a similar type face to the university in its logo while claiming to offer access to exclusive Oxford University Lectures.
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According to on of the ex-employee, they were selling the idea that they were becoming part of the great Oxford institution’.
“We were asked to focus on areas where people would buy. The Middle East, eastern Europe and Russia where the idea that money buys you credentials is still there”, said another former employer
Another ex- employee also said: ‘What’s £8,000 for a certificate? £8,000 is not a lot to have Oxford on your wall.’
Former members of staff claimed they were told to email massively foreign businesses and approach firms in developing countries telling them they had been nominated for awards, and informing anyone who responded positively they would have to pay thousands of pounds for admin fees and a license to use the award for ‘public relations and marketing purposes, according to The Times.
Founded in 2000, the company was run by Anton Savvov with offices both in Ukraine and Oxford by the businessman and his son Ivan.
Awards are given out by EBA director general John Netting, a former lecturer of the separate Oxford Brookes University who is believed to have previously taught Ivan Savvov.
Awards include the European Quality Award, recognizing ‘aspiration to achieve high quality in accordance to European standards’ and the Socrates International Award to recognize ‘intellectual development in today’s society’.
The company has also brought in guest speakers in an apparent effort to boost its reputation, including former trade and investment minister Lord Digby Jones.
Venues used to present the awards include Oxford Town Hall and the Institute of Directors in London.
It also publishes its own journal, the Socrates Almanac, and offers membership of the ‘Oxford Academic Union’ organization for £980.
Pictures of previous awards ceremonies show they are full of pomp and pageantry, featuring trumpeters, bagpipers and a procession led by a flag-waving man wearing a historic military uniform.
Previous recipients of awards include European MEP Fernando Ruas, a former mayor in Portugal, who is reported to have used public funds to buy a ‘Best City’ award.
According to Mr. Ruas, he ‘paid a registration fee’ but said the EBA was ‘credible’.
The EBA also hosts conferences with titles including ‘Summit of Leaders’ and has its own crest and dress robes for attendees.
A spokesman for Lord Jones said he was not affiliated with the EBA and had only been hired as a speaker for a specific event.
On the other hand, Oxford University has refuted any affiliation to the EBA and would not comment further.
