Turkey investigates allegations of examination fraud connected to approximately 400 academic appointments, focusing on a controversial candidate referred to as the "joker" candidate.
In an ongoing investigation in Ankara, authorities have uncovered a complex web of alleged forgeries and fraudulent activities spanning from 2006 to 2010. The case involves key suspects Ziya Kadiroglu, Ayhan Ates, and Mihyeddin Yakisir.
The investigation has uncovered 57 forged university diplomas, four fake high school diplomas, 108 fraudulent driver's licenses, and 270 unlawfully created electronic signatures. Notably, it has been alleged that Mihyeddin Yakisir is the "mastermind" behind an illegal e-signature scheme, orchestrating a network of individuals who produced and distributed fraudulent certificates.
In addition, the investigation involves foreign language exams conducted in Türkiye, with a "joker candidate" named Yakup allegedly taking exams on behalf of over 400 individuals. Turkish journalist Aytunc Erkin has questioned whether these language exams, including Türkiye's YDS (Foreign Language Proficiency Exam), have ever been properly audited or reviewed for irregularities.
However, it's important to note that only two of these documents have been confirmed to have been used in actual professional practice. The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has issued a statement emphasizing that the allegations are based solely on testimony without supporting evidence, labeling them as "unsubstantiated."
The prosecution is seeking prison sentences ranging from five to 50 years for the defendants, who are accused of creating false academic records and stealing or duplicating e-signatures from officials in multiple agencies, including the Higher Education Council (YOK) and the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK).
Yakup's alleged actions are said to have led to the appointment of over 400 individuals as lecturers and academics across Türkiye, many of whom later became associate professors or full professors. Ayhan Ates has been accused of portraying himself as an agent of Türkiye's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) to gain trust and influence.
The current investigation stems from a broader case involving forged diplomas and fake digital identities within public institutions, with 65 individuals currently facing trial. No official response has been given to journalist Aytunc Erkin's query about the auditing of language exams from 2006 to 2010. No official documentation or records have yet been provided to corroborate the claim.
Turkish journalist Aytunc Erkin published a report about this investigation in daily Nefes, shedding light on this intricate case of alleged fraud in the Turkish education and public sector. The investigation is ongoing, and further developments are expected in the coming weeks.
- The alleged fraudulent activities uncovered in Ankara include forged university diplomas from various institutions in Istanbul, Turkey.
- The ongoing investigation in Turkey has raised concerns about the integrity of education-and-self-development certificates, as multiple diplomas were found to have been fabricated.
- Russian authorities have been urged to cooperate in the investigation, as some of the suspected forgeries involve Russian language exams conducted in Türkiye.
- The unlawful actions have reportedly impacted the Turkish economy, as a significant number of the forged credentials were used to secure positions in prestigious universities and academic institutions across the country, notably leading to the promotion of several individuals to associate or full professors.
