Choudri Jamal Uzzaman

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

The Respondent, a solicitor and IVA supervisor, was found to have acted fraudulently and deceitfully towards other solicitors, taken unfair advantage, failed to act with frankness and good faith, and failed to report suspicions about another solicitor. A forged letter had been sent (allegation 2 of him being the author was not proven, but the Tribunal was sure he played a significant role). He refused to admit a legitimate debt into an IVA and sent misleading correspondence. The Tribunal found allegations 1, 3, 4 and 5 substantiated and struck him off the Roll, ordering costs of £4,026.70. The Respondent did not attend but indicated he did not contest the matter.

Duties found breached:

• No taking unfair advantage
• No conflict between current clients
• No baseless or threatened misconduct report
• No improper solicitation or touting

Aggravating factors:

• Sending of a forged letter in which the Respondent played a significant role
• Misleading letters and refusal to admit a legitimate debt into the IVA
• Behaviour when 'caught out'
• Excessive fees and failure to reply to correspondence found by the High Court judge

Mitigating factors:

• Respondent was of advanced years (born 1931) and unwell
• Respondent indicated he did not contest the action / admitted allegations