Melvi Poh Onn Tay

Findings — machine-extracted (anthropic-batch:claude-opus-4-8); verify against the decision

The respondent, a sole practitioner, dishonestly misapplied approximately $93,900 of client trust money on seven occasions (partly to fund gambling) and was convicted of aggravated fraud. He admitted both charges and consented to orders. The Tribunal found professional misconduct demonstrating probable permanent unfitness to practise, recommended his name be removed from the Roll, and ordered him to pay the applicant's costs on the Supreme Court basis.

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations
• No improper use of client money
• No baseless or threatened misconduct report

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonest misapplication of client trust money on seven separate occasions
• Total amount misapplied approximately $93,900
• Funds used in part to fund gambling habit
• Conviction for aggravated fraud
• Grave breach of trust

Mitigating factors:

• Money repaid prior to conduct being detected
• Express admission of charges and consent to orders
• Plea of guilty to criminal charge
• Major depressive disorder and financial hardship
• Remorse and embarrassment