Peter Edward Krivinskas

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

Peter Edward Krivinskas, a sole practitioner admitted 1979, faced allegations arising from Law Society inspections. He admitted breaches of the Solicitors Accounts Rules (Rules 22(5) and 19), failing to secure trust funds, breach of an undertaking to Mr T, and disposing of funds in breach of obligations. The Tribunal found these substantiated plus a conflict of interest (acting as 'middleman' between Mr T and EB Network). The Tribunal did NOT find dishonesty in relation to the client-account/trustee matters (allegation d/e), applying Twinsectra. However, on allegation (h) it found the Respondent acted dishonestly by introducing Mr L to Mr S for a loan deal while representing Mr S, who was on bail for serious fraud involving similar transactions; the Tribunal disbelieved his claim of peripheral involvement and that 16 supporting documents were lost. The Tribunal did NOT find he attempted to mislead the SIO (allegation i dismissed). He was struck off and ordered to pay costs subject to detailed assessment.

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations
• No improper communication with the court
• No own-interest conflict
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money
• Honour professional undertakings

Aggravating factors:

• Ignored Law Society warning cards on prime bank instrument fraud and money laundering
• Introduced Mr L to Mr S while representing Mr S on serious fraud charges involving similar loan transactions
• Involvement in multiple transactions bearing the hallmarks of fraud
• Did not properly identify clients or source of funds

Mitigating factors:

• No client complaint and no funds ultimately lost in some matters
• Client account shortages were replaced
• Fees were authorised (albeit retrospectively)
• Positive character evidence from partners and colleagues
• Now practising as salaried partner with support and supervision