Timothy Peter Ackrel

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

Timothy Peter Ackrel, an in-house solicitor acting as Head of Legal for companies (Company E, Company A, Company D) involved in three off-plan real estate development schemes marketed to Asian investors, was found to have facilitated payments of investor funds (approx £16.26m at risk) to third parties without justification, continued acting knowing schemes were unsustainable and sham-like (Ponzi characteristics), created bogus legal charges worth £68m in favour of Company D, facilitated improper money movements with money laundering indicators, and acted in dubious transactions. Funds were funneled to AC and CC to fund luxurious lifestyles (Rolls Royce, rent) and mislabeled as director loan repayments. The Tribunal found all allegations proved beyond reasonable doubt including express dishonesty under Ivey. Proceeded in absence; Respondent had sought removal from Roll and was bankrupt. Struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £41,325 (reduced from £44,325 for shorter hearing).

Duties found breached:

• Honesty
• Integrity
• Professional independence
• Uphold public trust in the profession
• Cooperate openly with regulators
• AML and crime-prevention compliance

Aggravating factors:

• Finding of dishonesty
• Misconduct deliberate, calculated and repeated
• Schemes designed to encourage investment despite AC's past record
• Respondent knew he was in material breach of his obligations
• Misconduct continued over almost three years
• Breach of position of trust
• Very experienced solicitor (10+ years qualified)
• Partly motivated by financial gain

Mitigating factors:

• Co-operation with the Liquidator
• No previous disciplinary findings