Aminat Adedoyin Afolabi

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

The SRA re-determined sanction against Ms Afolabi after Holman J remitted allegation I (giving dishonest evidence to an Employment Tribunal). The Tribunal, applying the criminal standard, did NOT find allegation I substantiated - it accepted her silence when her ACAS/ET confusion was pointed out did not necessarily show dishonesty. Allegation M (money laundering convictions under ss.328 and 329 POCA, following partial quashing on appeal) was admitted and substantiated. Taking the convictions together with existing findings A and B (firm operated as a sham while unqualified, clients misled), the Tribunal ordered her struck off the Roll. No express finding of dishonesty was made in this re-hearing. On costs: the original costs order (one third of prior costs) in the 14 Sept 2010 decision was reinstated; the Respondent was to pay one half of the applicant's costs for the 9 December 2011 hearing (applicant claimed £13,466.10) and one half of the applicant's costs for the 12 January 2012 hearing (applicant claimed £11,456.40; Respondent's own claim £12,190.00), both to detailed assessment if not agreed. Her subsequent appeal to the High Court was dismissed.

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations
• AML and crime-prevention compliance

Aggravating factors:

• Personal benefit of ~£15,000 and ~£44,000 from criminal transactions
• 18-month custodial sentence for serious criminal offences
• She was found to be 'behind it all' and in control of the firm throughout

Mitigating factors:

• Convictions did not relate directly to her conduct as a solicitor
• Sentence already served
• Confiscation order and financial hardship
• References and testimonials submitted
• Involvement of others (Mr H) in running the firm

⚠ figures not found verbatim in the source were dropped: ["review_dishonesty_finding_cue_present"]