Charges laid in fraud probe involving York Region law office

An Aurora man faces multiple fraud charges after police allege he took money from a business he was working for and opened a law office even though he is not licensed to practise law in Ontario.

York Regional Police say they received a complaint from a Richmond Hill law office in November about "misappropriated funds."

As police investigated, they determined that an employee defrauded the company and then opened aseparate law office.

It is further alleged that the accused acted "as legal representation for clients," even though he does not have a licence to practise law.

Police say they searched the accused mans Aurora home and business this month, seizing cash, documentation relating to the alleged fraud and four Honda vehicles, which they allege were fraudulently obtained.

Inayat Kassam, 34, now faces five counts of fraud over $5,000, as well as single counts of forgery and uttering fraudulent documents.

Police believe there may be other alleged victims.

Anyone who has had contact or done business with Kassam is asked to contact investigators at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6612.

Information can also be passed on anonymously to police through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

The Law Society of Upper Canada probes cases where individuals are alleged to be engaged in the authorized practice of law, or the unauthorized provision of legal services.

But a spokesperson for the Law Society says that the organization does not comment on investigations unless they result in a prosecution.

However, the Law Society did confirm to CBC News that Kassam is not listed as a licensed lawyer or paralegal.