Richard Akinrolabu, 61, of Orpington, Kent, was sentenced to three years in prison at Woolwich Crown Court on November 4, 2025, after pleading guilty to four counts of fraud by false representation.
The NHS Counter Fraud Authority (NHSCFA) launched an investigation after it was revealed that Akinrolabu had taken on additional shifts across several NHS trusts while claiming he was unfit to work.
He was originally working as a trust grade specialist registrar in obstetrics and gynaecology at the Princess Royal University Hospital in London.
Between October 2018 and December 2021, Akinrolabu falsely declared himself unfit to carry out on-call or night shifts for his employer, King's College Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Despite this, he secretly worked those same types of shifts at other hospitals, including Basildon Hospital, part of Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust.
The fraud came to light in November 2021 when King's College Hospital received information that Akinrolabu had been working night shifts at Basildon.
Further investigation uncovered that he had also worked shifts at Princess Alexandra Hospital and East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust during periods of sick leave or reduced duties.
King's College Hospital confirmed that Akinrolabu had never requested or been granted permission for secondary employment, and investigators found that most of his additional shifts were at night or on-call.
During an interview under caution in 2022, Akinrolabu gave a "no comment" response.
He was later charged with four counts of fraud.
Sentencing him, Judge David Miller said: "You lied to occupational health, your colleagues and your employer.
"The public doesn't expect doctors to lie for personal gain."
Ben Harrison, head of operations at the NHSCFA, added: "This case demonstrates a clear and deliberate abuse of trust by an NHS professional who knowingly breached the conditions of his employment for personal gain.
"By working additional on-call and night shifts, despite being unfit to do so, Akinrolabu defrauded the NHS of substantial funds that should have supported patient care.
"The NHS Counter Fraud Authority will continue to ensure that those who seek to exploit the health service for their own benefit are identified and brought to justice."