Aziz Ur-Rehman

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

Aziz-ur Rehman, sole principal of Morgan Mark Solicitors, dishonestly caused or allowed improper transfers of at least ~£198,000 from the client account and the misuse/misappropriation of client monies over a six-week period in 2019. He had sole control of the firm's accounts. Client purchases were never completed and 25 Compensation Fund claims totalling £751,989.30 followed. The Tribunal proceeded in his absence, found allegations 1.1, 1.2 and dishonesty (allegation 2) proved, did not consider recklessness (allegation 3), and struck him off the Roll with costs of £25,314.

Duties found breached:

• Integrity
• Uphold public trust in the profession
• Act in the client's best interests
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonesty found proved
• Sole culpability as sole principal, COLP, COFA and MLRO
• Serious harm to numerous clients
• Large amount of client money misused/misappropriated (at least ~£198,000; 25 Compensation Fund claims totalling £751,989.30)
• Failure to engage with investigation or Tribunal