Over 800 Suspected in Organized TOEIC Cheating Scheme in Japan; Kyoto University Student Arrested, Scores Invalidated, Five-Year Ban Imposed

Japanese authorities have uncovered a large-scale cheating scheme involving the TOEIC English proficiency exam, with over 800 individuals suspected of participating in fraudulent activities between May 2023 and June 2025. The scheme reportedly involves organized groups, primarily of Chinese nationals, who registered multiple test takers at the same address and used proxy test takers to take exams on behalf of others. A Kyoto University graduate student of Chinese nationality was arrested and later re-arrested for his alleged role in coordinating these proxy test takers. The Tokyo Metropolitan Police have interrogated several Chinese nationals involved, some found carrying devices such as cameras and earphones during the exam. The TOEIC test administrator has invalidated the scores of those involved and imposed a five-year ban on retaking the exam. The investigation revealed that as many as 803 people were implicated in the cheating network, which appears to be organized and ongoing despite previous arrests. This scandal has raised concerns about the integrity of English language testing in Japan.