Seven Released on Bail in Fake Diploma Investigation

Arrested as part of the investigation into fake diplomas and corruption at Cyprus Health and Social Sciences University (KSTU), R.S., who works as a temporary officer at the Interior Ministry, was brought before the Nicosia District Court today and released pending trial without detention.

During the court session presided over by Judge Zehra Yalkut Bilgeç, Police Officer Bora Çelebi presented the latest findings regarding the investigation. Çelebi stated that R.S. was involved in incitement to issue fake documents, circulation of fake official documents, and disclosure of official secrets related to incidents occurring in Lefke, Güzelyurt, and Nicosia in 2023.

According to Çelebi, during the investigation into the incitement to issue fake documents at KSTU, R.S. was arrested on April 25. On the same day, a search warrant was obtained from the Nicosia District Court, and during the search of the suspect's residence, an English Business Department transcript and temporary graduation certificate, both issued by KSTU under R.S.'s name, were seized as evidence for further examination.

"It was discovered that despite R.S.'s real enrollment in the English Business Department on May 8, 2023, fake registration was made on October 10, 2019. Additionally, on June 19, 2023, fake grades were entered into the system for all 46 courses that R.S. was supposed to take over four years, and R.S. was declared graduated on the same day," Çelebi informed the court.

Referring to R.S.'s appearance before the Güzelyurt District Court on April 26, Çelebi reminded that the suspect was remanded in custody for three days. Further investigation conducted on the same day revealed that R.S. had used the original diploma from the incident to enroll in a master's program at Lefke European University, submitting false information.

Moreover, during the court appearance before the Nicosia District Court on April 29, R.S. was remanded in custody for an additional seven days. Çelebi added, "It was found that R.S. submitted the fake temporary graduation certificate and transcript issued by KSTU to the Interior Ministry in order to obtain a salary increase."

Çelebi also mentioned that an investigation conducted with Interior Ministry officials revealed that the documents found in R.S.'s house were supposed to be kept in the ministry's archive and should not have been taken outside the ministry's premises.

Given the progress in the investigation and the completion of the part where the suspect could influence, Çelebi requested the release of R.S. on bail.

Prosecutor Behrat Mavioğlu supported the request for bail, leaving it to the discretion of the court.

Judge Zehra Yalkut Bilgeç ordered R.S. to be released on bail, consisting of 50,000 TL in cash, three Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus citizens to sign bail bonds of 750,000 TL each, a travel ban, surrendering travel documents, and weekly check-ins with authorities.