A well-crafted press release was sent to all Moroccan media outlets, boasting a spectacular figure: 1,656 online training certificates obtained in 12 months. Mohamed Rochd Charrat's "achievement" was picked up by some Moroccan media without verification and shared across social networks. But what is the real story? DR ‹ › The media frenzy was sparked by a press release prepared for publication and distribution to newsrooms, announcing Moroccan researcher Mohamed Rochd Charrat's entry into the so-called record book, «The Book of World Records». Outlets such as Maroc Hebdo, Le Brief, and the international platform EIN Presswire quickly picked up the story, celebrating what appeared to be a remarkable accomplishment. The controversy doesn't stem from the sheer number of certificates claimed, which is inherently challenging to verify, but rather from the legitimacy of the organization endorsing this «record». Contrary to what its name might imply, The Book of World Records (TBWR) is not a reputable institution like the Guinness World Records. Despite the logo's resemblance, TBWR is actually a privately run, commercially-driven entity based in India and Dubai, managed by two obscure companies. 3 Reasons for Skepticism The first red flag is its business model. TBWR operates on a fee-based certification system, with non-refundable payments, even if the application is rejected. More concerning is the organization's own admission in its terms and conditions that it does not guarantee the «accuracy or completeness of the records published». This disclaimer is fundamentally at odds with the concept of rigorous validation. The second issue is the nature of the certified records. The site is filled with trivial or niche categories: from the number of selfies taken in a span of minutes to highly specific artistic performances. This setup allows for the creation of custom categories, increasing the likelihood of becoming a «record-holder» without any meaningful global comparison. The third concern is the complete lack of transparency. No adjudicator is named, nor is any independent verification documented. Claims of a supposed «panel of experts» remain mere assertions. Even the statistics presented on the site appear inconsistent or unverifiable. World Records from Morocco: Music, Tales, Football, and Ancient Jewelry This type of platform is part of a well-known ecosystem, particularly in India, where «record agencies» offer, for a fee, certifications with no real credibility. Local investigations have already exposed this market, where accolades are given for insignificant, if not trivial, performances. In contrast, international standards demand strict criteria: well-defined and comparable categories, transparent procedures, identified judges, and independent verifications. None of these standards are met by TBWR. Ultimately, the «achievement» celebrated in Moroccan media is rooted in a well-oiled machine of communication and paid validation in India, a sort of industrialization of the record business designed to dazzle and gain social recognition. They Have Been Trapped Before This phenomenon is not new: numerous public figures and high-profile individuals have been lured by less credible «books of records». • Siddaramaiah, former Chief Minister of Karnataka (India), faced criticism after promoting a certificate from a private entity, the London Book of World Records, accused of selling paid distinctions. • Indian academics and speakers have boasted world records on their resumes, later found to be unverifiable. • In Kochi, Kerala, models and public event participants have paid for official certificates that held no real value. • Influencers, artists, and event organizers are regularly ensnared by tailor-made categories, created for them in exchange for payment.
