FETÖ might have hacked into computers to cheat on exams
After the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ) hacked its way into the heavily protected servers of a state-run agency, which oversees state exams, to steal questions and answers, according to Turkish media outlets, prosecutors are now investigating all exam results of the past 15 years under suspicions of cheating facilitated by theft. FETÖ stands accused of infiltrating positions in the public sector, academic institutions and various other sectors in which exams are critical for admission - using its followers who cheated on these exams.
Prosecutors have been granted permission to examine the computers of Turkey's National Exam Board (ÖSYM) as part of an investigation into widespread cheating allegations, a judicial official told Anadolu Agency (AA) on Friday.
Prior to the failed coup bid FETÖ is accused of masterminding on July 15, the terrorist group allegedly infiltrated state institutions, focusing on positions in the judiciary, police and the Turkish military - as well as the education system and government bureaucracy - as it tried to seize power from within.
According to information obtained by the government, FETÖ members largely achieved these aims by securing questions for university and public service exams in advance and passing them on to FETÖ members.
Speaking anonymously due to restrictions on talking to the media, the official said that Ankara's Chief Public Prosecutor's office has been granted permission by the Council of Ministers to examine computers belonging to the ÖSYM.
The body oversees the national university entrance exam as well as the Public Personnel Selection Exam (KPSS) and its computers which contain exam records going back 15 years, the official added.
Last May, Ankara prosecutors revealed that questions from the 2010 exam were initially leaked to FETÖ leader Fetullah Gülen 12 days before the nationwide test and distributed among supporters. Prosecutors said around 2,600 suspects were being investigated.
The current investigation also includes records from 2011 and 2012, the official said. Last week, 86 suspects were arrested in connection with the inquiry.
Meanwhile, Daily Sabah reported that FETÖ members used remote access programs after first gaining access to computers by its members working at the ÖSYM. The revelation is linked to a suspect who previously worked at the ÖSYM and accepted a guilty plea to reduce his sentence. He told prosecutors that members of the terror cult were authorized to easily access the computers and they set up virtual servers inside a so-called "Secret Room" where computers containing questions and answers are located.
Prosecutors have been granted permission to examine the computers of Turkey's National Exam Board (ÖSYM) as part of an investigation into widespread cheating allegations, a judicial official told Anadolu Agency (AA) on Friday.
Prior to the failed coup bid FETÖ is accused of masterminding on July 15, the terrorist group allegedly infiltrated state institutions, focusing on positions in the judiciary, police and the Turkish military - as well as the education system and government bureaucracy - as it tried to seize power from within.
According to information obtained by the government, FETÖ members largely achieved these aims by securing questions for university and public service exams in advance and passing them on to FETÖ members.
Speaking anonymously due to restrictions on talking to the media, the official said that Ankara's Chief Public Prosecutor's office has been granted permission by the Council of Ministers to examine computers belonging to the ÖSYM.
The body oversees the national university entrance exam as well as the Public Personnel Selection Exam (KPSS) and its computers which contain exam records going back 15 years, the official added.
Last May, Ankara prosecutors revealed that questions from the 2010 exam were initially leaked to FETÖ leader Fetullah Gülen 12 days before the nationwide test and distributed among supporters. Prosecutors said around 2,600 suspects were being investigated.
The current investigation also includes records from 2011 and 2012, the official said. Last week, 86 suspects were arrested in connection with the inquiry.
Meanwhile, Daily Sabah reported that FETÖ members used remote access programs after first gaining access to computers by its members working at the ÖSYM. The revelation is linked to a suspect who previously worked at the ÖSYM and accepted a guilty plea to reduce his sentence. He told prosecutors that members of the terror cult were authorized to easily access the computers and they set up virtual servers inside a so-called "Secret Room" where computers containing questions and answers are located.