Investigation into YÖDAK Secretary General and Police Officer Leads to 3-Day Detention
The Higher Education Planning, Supervision, Accreditation and Coordination Board (YÖDAK) Secretary General DR and a police officer Ş were brought to court in Nicosia today as part of an investigation into Cyprus Health and Social Sciences University (KSTU). Both suspects were arrested in connection with allegations of “fake diploma” involvement. A 3-day detention order was issued for the suspects.
The investigation, led by Investigation Officer Ortunç Özbaylı, revealed that the suspect DR was involved in “accepting money in exchange for the performance of a fraudulent duty”, “receiving money in return for favors from a person in public service”, and “laundering the proceeds of crime”. The investigation focused on irregularities at the Cyprus University of Health and Social Sciences between 2021 and 2024, where the suspect allegedly expedited the opening of the Faculty of Medicine at the university by abusing his position.
Evidence seized during the investigation included AirPods headphones, cash, mobile phones, documents related to the investigation, and requests for the opening of the university’s Faculty of Medicine. Computers and a laptop belonging to YÖDAK were also taken as evidence.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that the suspect’s authority to vote on the issue of opening a Faculty of Medicine was questioned, but he claimed that his authority had been taken away. The suspect allegedly received money and gifts on multiple occasions, with witnesses supporting the claims.
Meanwhile, police officer Ş, who was involved in the “fake diploma” investigation, was also brought before the court. The suspect was accused of “incitement to issue false documents” and was found to have manipulated his enrollment in a Master’s program.
Prosecutors requested a 3-day detention for both suspects, citing ongoing investigations and concerns about witness statements being influenced if the suspects were released. The judge ordered the suspects to be detained for 3 days and to undergo medical examinations.
The investigations into both cases are ongoing, with authorities working to uncover the full extent of the allegations and hold those involved accountable for their actions.
