A 'calculating' psychotherapist has been imprisoned for sexually assaulting patients whilst claiming to provide 'medical treatment'. The north London therapist inappropriately touched victims' breasts and pressed his erect penis against them at his private therapy practice in Ponders End.
Tarkan Mustafa, 55, of Woodlands Way, Southgate was handed a three-year and nine-month sentence at Wood Green Crown Court on Tuesday, 9 December. Mustafa had previously been convicted of seven counts of sexual assault, including sexual touching.
The crimes took place at Mustafa's practice, Peace of Mind. Mustafa was imprisoned after the case, which had been closed for nine years owing to insufficient evidence, was reopened following fresh reports.
Detective Sergeant Myles Bossman, who headed the Met's investigation, said: "Mustafa is a calculated individual. He took advantage of women who were seeking his support for his own sexual gratification, under the guise of medical treatment."
Officers initially received a sexual assault report from one of the therapist's patients in 2016. Following his arrest, a police investigation uncovered that Mustafa had repeatedly sexually assaulted the victim on more than 10 occasions across 10 months; however, the CPS took no further action at that time, reports MyLondon.
In 2020, police received a report from a second victim who had been sexually assaulted by Mustafa when she attended counselling at his practice in 2014.
According to police these incidents involved using highly sexualised language, massaging the victims' breasts under the pretext of 'complementary therapy' – which traditionally includes acupressure and massage – and pressing his erect penis into the victim.
A fresh investigation was launched and Mustafa was arrested on February 26, 2021. As enquiries progressed, it wasn't until January 2024 that the predator faced formal charges.
Det. Myles Bossman added: "I want to thank each of the victims for their support and commend their immense courage and bravery in supporting the investigation and providing evidence in court. I hope that today's sentencing will help to provide closure and strength, knowing that by making a report against Mustafa they have helped to protect other potential patients from becoming victims.
"If you recognise Mustafa's offending and believe you, or someone you know, may have been a victim, please contact 101 or make a report online, referencing 01/YE/10292/24.
"Today's sentencing shows that regardless of the amount of time passed, reports will be taken seriously, victims will be supported, and those responsible for committing violence against women will be brought to justice."
After Mustafa's sentencing, detectives are urging any additional potential survivors to come forward. If you want to speak to Met detectives or report anything related to Mustafa, you can do so by calling the police on 101 and quoting 01/YE/10292/24.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
