Psychologist who worked with OT, Youth Court charged with sexual offences against young men
Psychologist Ban Teik Tan is facing 17 charges of historical sexual offending against young men between 1996 and 2005. Tan has pleaded not guilty and his practicing certificate has been suspended while the police investigation continues.
Why it matters
Raises significant concerns regarding the safety of youth in state-referred care and the vetting processes of professional agencies.
A psychologist with "significant involvement" with young men, referred by agencies including Oranga Tamariki and the Youth Court, is at the centre of a police investigation into alleged historical sexual offending, RNZ can reveal.
It can now be reported that Ban Teik Tan, who is known as Ricki Tan, is before the courts facing 17 charges. The charges include unlawful sexual connection with a boy aged 12-16 and indecent assault on a boy aged between 12-16.
The charges relate to five complainants and date between 1996 to 2005. Tan has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Tan, who has been a registered psychologist in New Zealand since 1995, has had his practising certificate suspended.
In a statement to RNZ, Tan confirmed police had laid charges of historic sexual offending against him.
"I absolutely deny those allegations. I am innocent.
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