A total of 43 suspects, including education officials and private school owners, went on trial in Istanbul on Tuesday over allegations that they accepted bribes to issue fraudulent school diplomas, equivalency certificates and school safety reports.
According to an indictment prepared by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, the investigation was launched following a complaint by the Ministry of National Education's Inspection Board.
Prosecutors allege that members of the group worked together to facilitate fraudulent educational procedures in exchange for money, targeting both Turkish and foreign students.
The indictment claims that foreign nationals seeking equivalency certificates to continue their education in Türkiye were granted approvals despite failing to meet legal requirements, including residence, language proficiency and educational background criteria. In some cases, applicants allegedly received assistance during Turkish-language proficiency exams to obtain passing scores.
Investigators also found evidence that students who had not completed high school were enrolled as final-year students at affiliated private institutions and later presented as graduates within a short period. Authorities allege that these students received diplomas and equivalency certificates in return for bribes.
