News Article
19 May 2009
A registered learning disabilities nurse, Dzikamai Mussett Mhakayakora, has been jailed for nine months for fraud after being investigated by NHS Counter Fraud and the UK Border Agency (UKBA), at Chelmsford Crown Court (18th May).
Mhakayakora pleaded guilty to five counts totalling over £85,000: two counts of using a false Home Office letter, one of obtaining a pecuniary advantage, and two further immigration offences. He was sentenced to nine months for each count, to run concurrently.
He used a false Home Office letter stating he had indefinite leave to remain (with no restrictions on working) to obtain a place at Thames Valley University, where he completed a 3-year Diploma in Nursing (1st September 2003 - 3rd September 2006). During his course he applied for and received a full Nurse Training Bursary from the NHS Student Bursaries Unit for the three years, as well as some further course expenses, totalling £18, 600.94. On completing his course he was registered by the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
In November 2006 he used the same false Home Office letter when he applied to work as a qualified staff nurse in a private nursing home for learning disabled patients owned by Partnerships in Care Ltd. He was subsequently able to earn a total of over £66,000 in this job before being arrested in December 2008.
Concerns about Mhakayakora came to the attention of UKBA after he applied for a travel document using the same forged Home Office letter. NHS Counter Fraud worked with UKBA in further investigations which ensured that the series of frauds against the NHS, and relating to his nurse training and practice, were prosecuted.
Frank Ginnelly, Operational Fraud Manager, Eastern Region, NHS Counter Fraud, said today:
“Mhakayakora’s actions may mean someone else lost out on a place for nurse training at Thames Valley University. He also earned a considerable sum of money he was not legally entitled to. It should be clear by now that we will detect and prosecute such offences.”
The NHS Bursary was £18,600.94 and his gross earnings at Partnerships in Care Ltd were £66,542.97 - a total of £85,143.91defrauded.
For more information contact James Robertson at the NHS CF press office on 020 7895 4524/ 4523. Out of hours mobile 07717 851 926
Further information on NHS CF can be found at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/CounterFraud.aspx
Notes to Editors
1. NHS Counter Fraud (NHS CF) - a service of the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) - was established to tackle fraud and corruption throughout the NHS and DH whether it involves professionals, staff, patients or contractors. It aims to create a lasting anti-fraud culture.
2. Around 319 professionally-trained and accredited Local Counter Fraud Specialists are in place covering every health body in England and Wales. They are supported nationally and regionally by NHS CF. NHS CF investigations produced potential savings to the NHS of £7,565,014 during 2007-08.
3. In 2007-08 the NHS CF successfully prosecuted 57 criminal cases with a 96% success rate.
4. To report any incident of suspected fraud in the NHS, please call the Fraud and Corruption Reporting Line on 0800 028 40 60.