Iranian woman remanded in custody over fake diploma case in north Cyprus

Lefkoşa – A woman accused of forging a diploma using another graduate’s certificate number has been ordered to remain in police custody for three days as investigations continue.

The suspect, identified only as FY, an Iranian citizen, appeared before the Lefkoşa District Court on Ftiay Sept. 19 on charges of forgery, obtaining unauthorized documents, and securing registration through fraudulent means.

Presenting the case in court, Financial Crime Division officer explained that on 20 January 2025, the Higher Education Planning, Evaluation, Accreditation and Coordination Council (YÖDAK) notified police that FY’s dentistry diploma was fraudulent. 

A subsequent inquiry revealed that the suspect, who had been studying dentistry at a university in Lefkoşa, still needed to complete 15 courses to graduate. Despite this, she allegedly procured a fake diploma and falsified transcript to falsely certify her graduation.

Police stated that FY was arrested on 18 September, and during a search of her residence, the counterfeit documents were seized as evidence. Investigators also determined that the diploma number used on the forged certificate belonged to an original diploma issued by the same university’s pharmacy faculty.

The officer noted that the investigation is still at an early stage, with inquiries ongoing to determine how the suspect obtained the fraudulent documents. Police also confirmed that another individual connected to the case is currently wanted.

After considering the testimony, the judge ordered the suspect to remain in custody for three days to allow further investigation.