Aziz Ur-Rehman

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

Aziz-ur Rehman, sole principal, COLP, COFA and MLRO 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 relating to seven overseas conveyancing matters between July and August 2019. The completion monies were never paid to the vendor and the client account, which should have held over £201,000, held only £3,203.28. The Tribunal found all allegations including dishonesty proved on the balance of probabilities. The Respondent did not engage and the hearing proceeded in his absence. He was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £25,314.

Duties found breached:

• Act in the client's best interests
• Honesty
• No improper use of client money
• Uphold public trust in the profession

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonesty
• Sole culpability
• Serious harm caused to numerous clients
• Significant amount of client monies misused/misappropriated (at least ~£198,000; 25 Compensation Fund claims totalling £751,989.30)
• Failure to engage with regulator and Tribunal