NSW Police will begin looking into a man who allegedly stole a doctor's identity and remained employed for more than a decade at four of the state's hospitals.
Shyam Acharya, who is believed to be on the run overseas, was charged by the Australia Health Practitioners Regulatory Authority but NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard has also referred the matter police, saying a $30,000 penalty for 11 years of deception is woefully inadequate.
"There is a possibility that if this person were convicted of fraud, we may be able to get some of the money back under the proceeds of crime legislation," Mr Hazzard told reporters on Saturday.
Police on Saturday confirmed the State Crime Command will handle the investigation.
Acharya is said to have posed as Dr Sarang Chitale by entering Australia on a fake passport and gaining registration with the Medical Board of NSW.
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He worked in hospitals at Manly, Hornsby, Gosford and Wyong while the real doctor practised as a specialist in the UK.
Mr Hazzard said a police investigation could help NSW Health seize Acharya's North Ryde house, estimated to be worth at least $1.25 million, in order to recoup his wages, a move Labor's Walt Secord supports.
