INTERVIEW/ "Copy-paste" at national cost, how Taulant Mukë's legal battle with undeserved diplomas began

With a voluminous 400-page dossier in hand, convinced that plagiarism and academic corruption are undermining the foundation of knowledge in Albania, former Deputy Minister of Education and renowned scholar, Taulant Muka, has recently knocked on the doors of justice.

Immediately after his return to Tirana after a stay abroad, Muka submitted concrete evidence to the Special Prosecution Office against Corruption (SPAK), requesting an investigation into what he claims is a large-scale scandal involving key figures in education and state institutions.

In an interview with Politiko.al, Muka reveals the behind-the-scenes of this process, the pressures he has encountered, and the reasons that led him to challenge a system that, as he shows during the conversation, has abandoned the values ​​of knowledge in favor of political interests.  

Prepared by: Suela Gjidede

What specifically prompted you to take this step to file a 400-page file with SPAK?

Today, education in Albania is in a deep and comprehensive crisis. According to all international indicators, such as PISA results, university rankings, scientific production and brain drain, Albania ranks among the most problematic countries in the region and in Europe.

We have systematic discrimination against people of knowledge, who are leaving universities, while these institutions are becoming havens for individuals with political connections, often involved in academic fraud, with no connection to the university world.

As a man of science, I cannot remain indifferent to this reality. This situation prompted me to take this step, to start a legal battle when all institutions have been silent, with the aim of restoring meritocracy and the values ​​of knowledge in Albanian society.

How was the evidence for this voluminous dossier collected?

The dossier is the product of several years of long and dedicated work, in collaboration with other colleagues. During this time, we have made public dozens of cases of plagiarism, doctorates and scientific degrees obtained through unacceptable methods such as "copy-paste" or simple translations from "Google Translate".

These individuals, who hold undeserved titles, not only unfairly benefit from the state budget, but also prevent Albania from benefiting from hundreds of millions of euros in European funds for research and innovation, because they are simply not recognized as academics by international institutions.

The most flagrant case is that of the rector of the University of Tirana, whose work was documented as plagiarism, but no institution, neither the Ombudsman, nor the Ministry of Education, nor the President, nor the Senate or the relevant committees, took any action. On the contrary, they became parties.

The file raises serious questions about the existence of an organized structure operating within the higher education system and that should be investigated.

Did you face any pressure while preparing this lawsuit?

The Albanian government refuses to recognize my two academic degrees earned at one of the top 100 universities in the world, the University of Bern in Switzerland. The Ministry of Education, through a politically motivated commission and document falsification, has refused to unify them, despite the fact that I am ranked among the 1% of most influential scientists in the world.

Even the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination, who is tasked with protecting citizens from institutional injustices and promoting brain recovery, has chosen not to make any decision on this issue, even though the legal deadline for making a decision has long passed.

This is evidence of a capture of institutions by a structure that acts to the detriment of Albanian knowledge. The lawsuit in SPAK has precisely this goal, to investigate systematic abuses and restore the state to function in the values ​​of knowledge and justice.

What are some of the most blatant cases of plagiarism that you have identified?

They are numerous and include figures in very high positions: ministers, rectors, deans, even the president. We are dealing with an entire system built on academic theft, where scientific titles have been obtained on a massive scale through fraud.

The fact that Albania produces so little scientific research and has no international academic influence is a direct consequence of this reality. For anyone involved in science, it is clear that for the most part these degrees are not legitimate.

Do you believe that this issue will be treated impartially by Albanian justice?

I want to believe that it is. I have gone through all the institutional links and SPAK is today the only institution that can act. All other institutions have failed not only to react, but in many cases have become part of the problem, protecting or remaining silent about abuses.

In any case, as a citizen and a researcher, I have done my part. I have followed every possible path and today I feel at peace, because I have done everything in my power to protect the integrity of knowledge and our universities.

What message does this initiative send to honest students and professors in Albania?

The message is clear: do not be afraid! Until now, you have been despised and discriminated against by institutions, but this could be the turning point. It is time to feel proud of your work and speak openly about the challenges you have faced.

I hope that this initiative will serve as an invitation to build a system based on meritocracy, where work, honesty, and dedication are valued, not overlooked. /Politiko.al/