Selcuk Karatas

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

Selcuk Karatas, a partner and conveyancer at Stuart Karatas, was found to have engaged in a systematic scheme of teeming and lading across multiple client matters, including unauthorised transfers between client ledgers, improper withdrawals, overbilling and failing to pay £6,009 of client money into client account (leaving it in his personal account for around 12 months). A minimum cash shortage of £148,475 and overbilling of £47,534.58 were identified, later rectified by his partners and insurers. He also used a forged transfer authority (though he was not found to have forged the signature himself). The Tribunal found dishonesty proved under the Twinsectra test in relation to allegations 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3, and found he lacked integrity. He absconded to Turkey when the investigation began and did not attend the hearing. With no exceptional circumstances, he was struck off and ordered to pay costs of £33,099.95.

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations
• No improper communication with the court
• No improper use of client money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports

Aggravating factors:

• Large amounts involved (minimum shortfall £148,475; overbilling £47,534.58)
• Number of clients affected
• Deliberate and repeated conduct involving teeming and lading
• Concealment was a central feature (careful and well-executed plan)
• Respondent's dishonesty
• Lack of participation in putting matters right
• Breach of trust involving partners and clients
• Reputational harm to partners and profession
• Absconded to Turkey at the time of the investigation

Mitigating factors:

• The Tribunal could find no mitigating factors