SINGAPORE - The sole director of a company was fined $26,000
on Thursday (Sept 14) for offences that included acting as a solicitor even though he is not a qualified lawyer. Singaporean Keith Thaddeus Kamal Tsukada, now 43, also sent letters on behalf of his clients, threatening legal action, despite lacking the necessary credentials and authorisation to do so.
Tsukada, who runs IP Firm, which provides business and
management consultancy services, pleaded guilty to four offences under the Legal Profession Act. Tsukada committed his offences between May 2014 and June 2015. He is also the sole registered director of research firm Invictus Intelligence Bureau.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Kenneth Chin said: "The accused
wilfully used descriptions on the websites of the said companies, implying that IP Firm is qualified to act as a solicitor when, in fact, IP Firm is not." He added that the company's website had statements such as "You are not just hiring a lawyer - but an innovative team specialising in the areas of law" and "we ensure the right legislative provision is put to use expeditiously".
Later that month, Tsukada acted on behalf of Mr Singh and sent
the woman a letter, demanding payment and threatening legal proceedings. The letter had "IP Arbitration and Litigation" on its letterhead.
Mr Singh paid Tsukada $24,580 for his services. On Sept 3, 2014,
the woman made a report to the Law Society of Singapore after receiving the letter. The Commercial Affairs Department later investigated the case.
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