Rasif David

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

The respondent, a sole proprietor and sole signatory of his firm's client account, made numerous unauthorised withdrawals totalling S$11,327,408 from the client account between 31 May and 2 June 2006, largely comprising S$10,658,240 clients had provided for a property purchase, then absconded. The Council of the Law Society intervened, suspecting dishonesty. A Disciplinary Committee, proceeding in his absence, found all charges made out. The High Court proceeded with 17 charges (one misappropriation charge and 16 SAR record-keeping charges). It found the respondent's misappropriation clearly involved proven dishonesty and grossly improper conduct under s 83(2)(b), and that his flagrant SAR breaches independently warranted striking off. He was struck off the roll and ordered to bear the costs of the proceedings before both the court and the Disciplinary Committee (the latter fixed at S$2,000).

Duties found breached:

• Segregate client money
• No improper use of client money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports

Aggravating factors:

• Substantial sums misappropriated (withdrawals totalling S$11,327,408, including S$10,658,240 intended for a property purchase)
• Deliberate, systematic and brazen manner of misappropriation
• Respondent absconded with the misappropriated funds and made no restitution
• Seniority and standing (17 years at the Bar) - should have known better
• Abuse of trust placed in him by clients in his professional capacity
• Contravention of SAR inextricably connected to the misappropriation and systemic and flagrant in itself