Modie-Nwaefulu

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

Solicitor accepted a US$200,000 transfer into client account purportedly as a loan from Mr KB for a property purchase, but withdrew £32,707 in nine payments for her own/office purposes without due diligence, conflict-of-interest safeguards, or written agreement. She also failed to disclose seller incentives to lenders and used gross prices for Stamp Duty/Land Registry, and practised without a current practising certificate. The Tribunal found all allegations proved, including an express finding of dishonesty under the Twinsectra test regarding her use of client funds. She was struck off and ordered to pay £13,900 costs, not to be enforced without the Tribunal's consent given her bankruptcy.

Duties found breached:

• AML and crime-prevention compliance
• Disclose material information to client
• Hold a current practising certificate
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money

Aggravating factors:

• Used client funds immediately for her own purposes and to offset office account overdraft
• Conflicting accounts of relationship with Mr KB (statement said not known personally; letter said family friend)
• No attempt to comply with Money Laundering Regulations in a situation requiring utmost care
• No evidence funds repaid as asserted; no Statement of Truth on her witness statement

Mitigating factors:

• Admitted all allegations save dishonesty
• Personal difficulties; living on benefits and bankrupt
• Claimed funds repaid to Mr KB who made no complaint (no evidence produced)