Melvin Douglas Goldberg

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

Melvin Douglas Goldberg, a sole practitioner aged near 80, was found to have committed numerous breaches relating to six high-value international financial transactions involving Goldmoss/Coppercast, GEBS, WOW and other parties. The Tribunal found he failed to maintain proper accounts, used his client account as a banking facility, failed AML due diligence, acted in conflicts of interest, and failed to act in clients' best interests. The transactions bore hallmarks of money laundering/fraudulent financial arrangements and he lacked integrity. Dishonesty was found proved only in respect of the Swiss Garantie transaction, which post-dated an indemnity interview and withdrawal of insurance cover, so the subjective test for dishonesty was satisfied at that late stage. Finding no exceptional circumstances, the Tribunal struck him off the Roll and ordered costs of £40,000, not to be enforced without leave of the Tribunal given his bankruptcy and limited means.

Duties found breached:

• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Act in the client's best interests
• AML and crime-prevention compliance
• Diligence and timeliness
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money
• Proper basis for allegations

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonesty alleged and proved
• Misconduct deliberate, calculated and repeated
• Misconduct continued over a period of time
• Respondent knew or ought reasonably to have known conduct breached obligations to protect the public and reputation of the profession
• Clients lost significant sums (Mr BO could not recover money)
• Breach of position of trust by acting for different parties to the same transaction
• Motivation was financial gain and desire to continue acting for Goldmoss

Mitigating factors:

• Long career (nearly 50 years) with no previous disciplinary proceedings
• Character references attesting to honesty and good character
• Dishonesty found fell far short of extent alleged (only late stage, Swiss Garantie)
• Expressed regret for mistakes
• No intention to practise again