Turkmen Citizen Arrested in TRNC for Fake Bachelor's Degree

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) police have arrested a Turkmen national on charges of distributing fake documents. The court has sentenced her to a maximum of 20 days in prison.

Sanaya Memedova, the accused, was detained in Nicosia. During the court hearing, the police revealed that she had arrived in the TRNC on June 1, 2023, after purchasing a fake bachelor's degree certificate from Turkey for $250. Memedova also obtained a residency permit in Northern Cyprus, while her mother had been residing in the country with a work permit.

On September 26, 2024, Memedova was arrested. In her statement, she admitted to obtaining the fake documents from Turkey to secure her residency permit. During a search of her home, authorities found forged documents that she had submitted to the immigration office. The police further noted that Memedova’s mother had left the country on September 23.

The judge has ordered that Sanaya Memedova be imprisoned for up to 20 days.