Chief of Famagusta Police Department Arrested in TRNC

In Northern Cyprus, the chief of the Famagusta police, Barış Sel, has been arrested. Today, he appeared in court on suspicion of obtaining a fake diploma from the Cyprus University of Health and Social Sciences.

According to local media reports, during the court hearing, it was revealed that as a result of an administrative investigation initiated on February 2nd at the Cyprus University of Health and Social Sciences, incorrect entries were found in the grades of the suspect, Barış Sel.

The investigation believes that in the student registration system, nine grades for the course were entered retroactively for the suspect. As a result, on May 10, 2023, he graduated from the business faculty with a master's degree, as if he had defended a dissertation.

Police stated that during the investigation, it was determined that on May 11, 2023, the suspect submitted temporary documents to the Police Headquarters stating that he had completed his studies to obtain a salary increase, although he did not actually defend a dissertation.

In court, the suspect claimed that he submitted the dissertation to the Secretary-General of the Cyprus University of Health and Social Sciences, Serdal Gündüz. However, the police informed the court that the academic staff member denies receiving the work.

Police stated that the investigation is ongoing and requested that the suspect be remanded in custody for three days. The court granted this request.

It is worth noting that the scandal involving fake diplomas erupted in Northern Cyprus at the beginning of 2024. The chief of the Famagusta police is not the only one suspected of obtaining a fraudulent educational document.