Doctor accused of identity fraud may face more charges

Mohamed Shakeel Siddiqui appearing in the Waikato District Court in Hamilton via audio visual link. Photo / David Kerr

Police have hinted that a Waikato District Health Board doctor accused of illegally obtaining the credentials of another doctor with a similar name may face more charges.

Through his lawyer Kerry Burroughs, Mohamed Shakeel Siddiqui, was granted more time to enter a plea after briefly appearing in the Hamilton District Court this afternoon.

The 54-year-old faces one charge of obtaining by deception after being accused of using the credentials of the United States doctor to get a job at the Waikato District Health Board.

Concerns about his behaviour were raised by his supervisor and an investigation led to the police laying the charge.

Siddiqui's lawyer Kerry Burroughs told Judge Kim Saunders in the Hamilton District Court this afternoon that, in agreement with police, he needed more time to get official documentation from the US.

"There has been no plea entered and won't be until [September 28] because of the trans-national undertaking here to get the information for police and myself, because we are dealing with a power that's significantly greater than ours being the United States of America, it is somewhat difficult to get some traction."

Police prosecutor Bill Cronin said the delay was not opposed. He said their ongoing investigation could result in additional charges being laid.

Judge Saunders remanded Siddiqui on bail with conditions that include not entering the Waikato DHB grounds.

Meanwhile, Siddiqui has hinted at his experience behind bars.

Although not wanting to speak about the charges, when asked by the Herald about his near two-week stint on remand he labelled it "the worst time of my life".

"It was not pleasant."

As for how he was coping while awaiting the criminal prosecution said he was hanging in there.

"I'm alright, not very well, but I'm doing alright considering the situation of this because I am alone here in this country."

When asked about the possibility of further charges, Siddiqui said he hadn't heard about that and he would discuss it with his lawyer.

He will reappear late next month.