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CMTO investigates massage therapist charged with sexual assault

The College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) has launched an investigation into sexual assault allegations made against Abdulaziz Albekairi, a registered massage therapist in Toronto.

July 22, 2015  By Mari-Len De


“An alleged case of sexual assault by Abdulaziz Albekairi, RMT, has come to the attention of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO). We have commenced an investigation into these allegations and we are cooperating with the Toronto Police Service on their investigation of the same matter,” a statement from the CMTO said.

Albekairi was arrested on July 10 after a 26-year-old woman reported to police that she had been sexually assaulted by Albekairi at his clinic in Toronto.

The suspect has been employed as RMT since 2006 at various locations. Police believe there may be other victims.

In its statement, the CMTO said it has zero tolerance for any form of abuse of massage therapy clients – be it sexual, physical, verbal or emotional – and “deeply committed” to prevention by educating its registrants and the public.

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“Transparency and accountability are paramount at CMTO. Upholding these values involves balancing the principles of public protection and accountability with fairness and privacy,” the CMTO said.

There are rules governing investigations and the rights of the accused, according to the CMTO, and based on this framework, the regulatory body makes as much information as possible about investigations available to the public.

This information is posted on the CMTO website, where members of the public can easily look up discipline hearing schedules, discipline rules, discipline decisions and other related information.


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