'Fake doctor provided IVF treatment' to Melbourne women for more than 10 years

A Melbourne man accused of providing unlicensed IVF treatment to clients for more than a decade has faced court on rape and dishonesty charges.

Raffaele Di Paolo, 59, faced Melbourne Magistrates' Court today on more than 81 charges, including rape and accepting money dishonestly.

Police allege Di Paolo was not qualified to carry out the types of sensitive and intrusive procedures he performed on his patients.

The rape charges relate to a series of internal ultrasounds Di Paolo is accused of performing on a number of his patients, who were under the impression he was a qualified medical professional.

He is also accused of sending fake ultrasound images to his patients, who were told they were pregnant when they were not.

Di Paolo also allegedly carried out a number of unnecessary breast examinations without wearing gloves.

His lawyers claim he never said he was a doctor.

Di Paolo’s committal hearing is expected to run for three weeks with at least 33 witnesses expected to give evidence.

The hearing continues.