Let's say that you pulled this off for four years (as the actual student). What is stopping you from telling Harvard that you actually did the work and hoping they recognize your effort by giving you a diploma instead of the guy who was hiring you? I assume only contractual terms about non-disclosure. Since the contract itself is probably in violation of the law in some way -- I'd guess that you've committed fraud -- is the NDA agreement enforceable? What happens to the $170k you've been paid? Do you have to return this? Would you both face criminal punishment?