Acupuncturist fined for 'phantom treatments'

An Auckland acupuncturist who claimed money from ACC for treatments which hadn't taken place has been fined $10,000.

Tae In Yoo has also been ordered to pay immediate reparation of $6841 to ACC for the "phantom" treatments, plus $3640 court costs, ACC said today.

"We're delighted with this result," said ACC operations director Graham Bashford.

"While most of our treatment providers are completely honest, it shows the few who aren't that they won't get away with it."

Tae In Yoo submitted claim forms for 113 false treatments between April 2007 and March 2009. He was caught after a tip-off on the ACC fraud hotline.

"This sort of crime won't be tolerated," said Mr Bashford.

"People who steal from ACC are stealing from all New Zealanders. We will continue to investigate them and bring them before the courts."

- NZPA