The EFF has escalated its campaign against Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane by opening a criminal case against him over allegations of academic fraud linked to his disputed University of Fort Hare master's degree.

The EFF has opened a criminal case against Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane on Thursday.

The party laid the charge at the main police station in KuGompo City, formerly East London.

EFF Eastern Cape chair and MPL Zilindile Vena said Mabuyane should be held criminally liable for alleged academic fraud at the University of Fort Hare.

"Oscar is a fraudster," Vena said after opening the case.