Menu
20/07/2015
Man Jailed For Stealing Drs Identity To Work In UK
A 36-year-old man has been jailed after it was found that he stolen a doctor's identity to work in the UK.
Levon Mkhitarian was sentenced to a total of six years pleaded guilty to a total of 21 charges: 14 charges of using a copy of a false instrument and seven counts of fraud by making false representations.
Mkhitarian, 36, of Renaissance Walk, London, also admitted a further charge of obtaining leave to enter the UK through deception.
An investigation by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate found that Mkhitarian, originally from the former Soviet State of Georgia, had come to the UK in 2007 on a student visa to study medicine.
In February 2010, he was granted provisional registration by the General Medical Council and months later he was issued with a migrants skilled work visa to work in London.
But in April 2013 concerns were raised over his ability to work at the level he was working, and he was suspended from working as a doctor in the UK.
Following this, Mkhitarian started to forge documents to assume the identity of another, genuine doctor, and made up a CV, bank statements, energy bills, medical degree and training certificates, references and an email account all under the same name.
Mkitarian applied for work at seven different locum recruitment agencies, using the fake documents which he tailored to bolster his chances, however, most of the agencies saw issues with the documents offered.
However, he was successful with two agencies and he continued to work at various hospitals until his arrest 18 months later where he was working at William Harvey Hospital in Ashford that day.
Mkhitarian’s double life was found out by hospital staff following security checks and the matter reported to Kent Police.
He had already earned a total of around £85,000 through working under the false identity at various hospitals.
The extent of his deception was uncovered by officers Detective Constable Theo Perez and Detective Constable Tania Pickering who found hundreds of copies of all the documents on his computer tablet.
Mkhitarian was arrested on Saturday 18 April by officers and when interviewed initially pretended to be Italian and visiting his uncle in the hospital.
Detective Chief Inspector Nick Gossett of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said: "It was a carefully constructed fraud and Mkhitarian had dedicated a lot of time to it as officers found many drafts of his forged documents.
"Most doctors' careers are built on reputation, training and trust, and that is something he decided was easier to steal from a genuine doctor, rather than earn.
"In this particular case the risk of harm to patients was not high but nevertheless his actions were selfish and reckless.
"Mkhitarian is now behind bars and will hopefully use that time to realise the severity of his actions, both for himself and those affected.
"I want to thank NHS England and the other bodies involved for their full support in this investigation – their co-operation meant this fraudster has been dealt with quickly and appropriately."
(MH)
Levon Mkhitarian was sentenced to a total of six years pleaded guilty to a total of 21 charges: 14 charges of using a copy of a false instrument and seven counts of fraud by making false representations.
Mkhitarian, 36, of Renaissance Walk, London, also admitted a further charge of obtaining leave to enter the UK through deception.
An investigation by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate found that Mkhitarian, originally from the former Soviet State of Georgia, had come to the UK in 2007 on a student visa to study medicine.
In February 2010, he was granted provisional registration by the General Medical Council and months later he was issued with a migrants skilled work visa to work in London.
But in April 2013 concerns were raised over his ability to work at the level he was working, and he was suspended from working as a doctor in the UK.
Following this, Mkhitarian started to forge documents to assume the identity of another, genuine doctor, and made up a CV, bank statements, energy bills, medical degree and training certificates, references and an email account all under the same name.
Mkitarian applied for work at seven different locum recruitment agencies, using the fake documents which he tailored to bolster his chances, however, most of the agencies saw issues with the documents offered.
However, he was successful with two agencies and he continued to work at various hospitals until his arrest 18 months later where he was working at William Harvey Hospital in Ashford that day.
Mkhitarian’s double life was found out by hospital staff following security checks and the matter reported to Kent Police.
He had already earned a total of around £85,000 through working under the false identity at various hospitals.
The extent of his deception was uncovered by officers Detective Constable Theo Perez and Detective Constable Tania Pickering who found hundreds of copies of all the documents on his computer tablet.
Mkhitarian was arrested on Saturday 18 April by officers and when interviewed initially pretended to be Italian and visiting his uncle in the hospital.
Detective Chief Inspector Nick Gossett of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said: "It was a carefully constructed fraud and Mkhitarian had dedicated a lot of time to it as officers found many drafts of his forged documents.
"Most doctors' careers are built on reputation, training and trust, and that is something he decided was easier to steal from a genuine doctor, rather than earn.
"In this particular case the risk of harm to patients was not high but nevertheless his actions were selfish and reckless.
"Mkhitarian is now behind bars and will hopefully use that time to realise the severity of his actions, both for himself and those affected.
"I want to thank NHS England and the other bodies involved for their full support in this investigation – their co-operation meant this fraudster has been dealt with quickly and appropriately."
(MH)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 February 2015
Plans Announced To Make Young People Work For Benefits
The Prime Minister has announced a proposal for 18 to 21-year-olds claiming benefits to do daily work experience. The proposed reform, known as Community Work Programme, would see young people not in work, education or training, required to complete daily work experience, alongside continuing to look for work in order to qualify for benefits.
Plans Announced To Make Young People Work For Benefits
The Prime Minister has announced a proposal for 18 to 21-year-olds claiming benefits to do daily work experience. The proposed reform, known as Community Work Programme, would see young people not in work, education or training, required to complete daily work experience, alongside continuing to look for work in order to qualify for benefits.
09 October 2015
UK Construction Output Falls In August
Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed a fall in construction output for the month of August. In August 2015, output in the UK's construction industry dropped by 4.3% compared with July 2015. Compared with August 2014, it fell by 1.3%, its first year-on-year fall since May 2013. All new work declined by 3.
UK Construction Output Falls In August
Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed a fall in construction output for the month of August. In August 2015, output in the UK's construction industry dropped by 4.3% compared with July 2015. Compared with August 2014, it fell by 1.3%, its first year-on-year fall since May 2013. All new work declined by 3.
25 March 2011
UK Crime Fighters Search Launched
A national search for nation's most innovative crime fighting projects has been launched by the crime prevention minister. The Tilley Awards, now in their thirteenth year, recognise crime fighting projects where police, community safety groups and the public work together to tackle problems identified by their local communities.
UK Crime Fighters Search Launched
A national search for nation's most innovative crime fighting projects has been launched by the crime prevention minister. The Tilley Awards, now in their thirteenth year, recognise crime fighting projects where police, community safety groups and the public work together to tackle problems identified by their local communities.
08 November 2010
Successful Scheme Planned For Adult Social Care
A successful scheme, which has seen children in care getting better help from independent social workers contracted to local authorities, will be extended to adult social care, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley announced today.
Successful Scheme Planned For Adult Social Care
A successful scheme, which has seen children in care getting better help from independent social workers contracted to local authorities, will be extended to adult social care, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley announced today.
17 August 2005
Government recommends care home changes
A Government's action plan to improve the quality of care home services has been welcomed as a "positive response" by the OFT. However, consumer group 'Which?' prompted the original OFT inquiry, has criticised the proposed reforms as "vague" and called for more detail to be included.
Government recommends care home changes
A Government's action plan to improve the quality of care home services has been welcomed as a "positive response" by the OFT. However, consumer group 'Which?' prompted the original OFT inquiry, has criticised the proposed reforms as "vague" and called for more detail to be included.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
