Turkey top testing body computers to be investigated over Gülen question leakage probe

ANKARA

Ankara prosecutors will examine the computers of the Student Selection and Placement Center’s (ÖSYM) as part of a probe into the Gülenist network’s alleged theft of the questions on some of the tests over the last 15 years. 

Securing permission from the cabinet, the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office will investigate the computers’ images and log records in its investigation concerning 20 tests that include the high school entrance examination, Public Personnel Selection Exam, Public Personnel Promotion Exam, Judges and Prosecutors Selection Exam; Police Deputy Chief Selection Exam, Police Academy Examination, several exams for the Justice Ministry, as well as exams to be admitted as an NCO.

In its early investigation, the prosecutors have found that questions for some of the tests administered by the body were copied to flash drives to be distributed to members of the Gülenist network, which is widely believed to having orchestrated the July 15, 2016, coup attempt, enabling them to pass or score high on the tests and subsequently acquire important positions within a number of state institutions.

Now, the prosecutors will try to find which individuals used the computers at ÖSYM. 

In May 2016, Ankara prosecutors said questions from the 2010 exam were initially leaked to the leader of the Gülenist network, Fethullah Gülen, 12 days before the nationwide test and distributed among his supporters. Prosecutors said around 2,600 suspects were being investigated in connection with that leg of the case.

Meanwhile, Istanbul police on Jan. 13 detained 55 people who were suspected of being “elder sisters” within the Gülenist network and were allegedly responsible for mentoring the lower-ranking or newly admitted members of the outlawed group. The operation came after Istanbul prosecutors issued detention warrants against 73 suspects.