GIA: Most Doctored Reports Are Still Out There

Gemological Institute of America has gotten back only 175 of the 1,042 reports it invalidated because of unauthorized access to its lab database.

A full list can be seen here. It is requesting that all invalidated reports be immediately returned.

GIA is also offering a free confirmation service for reports issued from November 2014 through October 2015. Anyone with a GIA grading report issued during that period concerned about its accuracy may submit it for a recheck to a GIA location. The no-cost confirmation service will be available until Jan. 30, 2016.  

The troubling episode began earlier this year, when GIA noticed grading irregularities and began an investigation. It discovered that two former employees of contractor Tata Consultancy Services had obtained “unauthorized access” to the lab’s database and allegedly changed hundreds of grades. GIA made public the 1,000 affected reports as well as the submitting companies and is asking that they all be returned to GIA.

The former Tata employees have been arrested. The Indian authorities’ investigation is continuing.

The 19 companies that submitted the reports, mostly based in India, have been suspended pending an investigation.

The statement stresses that the 1,042 affected reports are only a small percentage of the reports that the lab issues.

In related news:

– RapNet has suspended 10 members named for submitting reports that were allegedly altered. It’s also removed the listed grading reports from its service as well as all other diamonds listed by suspended members.

– The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council and Bharat Diamond Bourse are vowing “stern action” against any industry members found guilty in this matter.   

– Last week in JCKonline, Lazare Kaplan chairman Maurice Tempelsman suggested that “regulation” may be needed to prevent future incidents.

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JCK News Director

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