Dr David Kaye accused as fraud psychologist

The Sunday Telegraph
October 04, 2009

A CONMAN posing as a psychologist was able to fool NSW health authorities
with a PhD bought for $250 on the internet.

David Kaye who police allege bought his psychology degree on the internet
for $250 and established Two NSW centres set up since 1997 was also Awarded
work in government program.

Using the alias Dr David Kaye, 45-year-old Ali Davut Sarikaya was allowed to
treat police officers and public servants with the blessing of the state Government.

Mr Sarikaya, who was arrested by Harbourside police as he attempted to
board a flight to New Zealand at Sydney airport, appeared in Central Local Court
on Wednesday on fraud charges and was granted conditional bail.

Police alleged the Turkish-born "doctor" claimed to be a trained psychologist,
despite holding no formal qualifications apart from a bachelor of arts.

His patients included police officers, prison guards and senior legal figures
who were referred to his medical practice in central Sydney through
WorkCover NSW.

A statement of facts tendered to the court said Mr Sarikaya had "deceived"
numerous government departments and organisations since moving to Sydney
in 1997.

The court heard Mr Sarikaya had been convicted of fraud offences of a "
dishonest ... identity-type nature" in Victoria in 1994.

In the years since, Mr Sarikaya, who runs trauma clinics in Sydney and
Parramatta, had been building a profile as the fictitious Dr David Kaye.

Police said he used this alias to avoid scrutiny of his Victorian criminal record.

The court heard that Mr Sarikaya had gained membership of several prestigious
organisations, including the NSW Bar Association, by touting himself as a doctor,
which he justified using a spurious PhD.

"Inquiries indicate this PhD was purchased via the internet from an organisation
in Minnesota, USA, for $249.95, and is by no means an official document enabling
use of titles such as doctor," the court heard.

The police facts stated that Mr Sarikaya also obtained several identity cards,
including an Australian Health Professionals Association card, in the name of
Dr David Kaye to help bolster his identity.

The alleged facade was so convincing that Mr Sarikaya was approved to work
as a psychologist under the NSW Health Department's Official Visitors Program.

In 2006, he was appointed to the program for three years by then health
minister John Hatzistergos, now the Attorney-General, who personally signed
off his accreditation.

WCV:s If you have been treated by this man, then contact worksafe and report it!
You should have the right to have your case reviewed?