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.
“Because the matter is before the court, I will not comment further. I respect the role of the court and will defend myself following the advice of my lawyer Ethan Huda, barrister of Christchurch. I request everyone to respect the court process and to avoid any speculation or pre-judgement.”
On Wednesday, detective senior sergeant Colin Baillie said police were appealing for anyone else with information to come forward.
“Tan has worked closely with youths and numerous community organisations, over a number of decades, including children referred by other agencies such as Child, Youth and Family.”
Police had contacted 90 people known to have had contact with Tan.
“We are aware that there are potentially many more people, children at the time, who had interactions with this individual. Our priority is to speak with anybody who has been a potential victim of sexual offending.
“We also encourage anyone who has knowledge of possible offending in this context, to come forward. We can also ensure people get the support and help they need.”
Baillie said police wanted to reassure those who come forward that the information provided would be treated with “absolute sensitivity and care”.
“Police understand incidents of this nature are incredibly difficult to talk about; Police have support available to those who require it.”
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