This is not a new thing. It is worse since Jar and the willingness of some authorities to validate at the drop of a hat. Ire,Holland, anywhere there isa large leasing business or indeed a large loco business!!!!
The back door is wide open. The last line of defence is robust recruiting.
I know of a few confirmed fakers in the uk that got as far as left seat trg but were flushed out during training. Much more difficult during the national licence days. If the back door is wide open in europe , its been flapping in the breeze for a long time in icao land...read ME and Far east as mentioned here.