Toronto Lawyer Couple Under Fraud Probe After $7M Embezzled

A Toronto lawyer couple once known for high-end fashion and luxury real estate is now at the centre of a multimillion-dollar fraud investigation. Police say lawyers Singa Bui and Nicholas Cartel siphoned over $7 million in client funds from their firm, Cartel & Bui LLP, and spent it on lavish personal items.

1,100+ Designer Items Seized by Toronto Police

In December 2024, Toronto police executed a search warrant at the couple’s midtown home, seizing over 1,100 luxury items. Court documents show the inventory included:

58 pairs of Manolo Blahniks
16 Christian Louboutins
52 Alexander McQueen clothing items
Accessories from Chanel, Hermès, and Oscar de la Renta
Designer handbags and high-end art

Police allege the suspects used stolen trust account funds to make these purchases, and they consider the seized items potential evidence of money laundering and possession of proceeds of crime.

Bui Admits to Embezzlement in Civil Court

In a court-ordered civil affidavit, Bui admitted to stealing client money starting in 2014. She said the theft began with small amounts “to make ends meet” and escalated to tens of thousands at a time to pay for vacations, luxury goods, private school fees, and fine dining.

She described her shopping as a coping mechanism, but because her statement was compelled, it cannot be used in criminal court.

Cartel Denies Involvement

Cartel, who handled litigation and class actions at the firm, denies any role in the theft. He told CBC News he had no control over finances and blamed Bui for managing both the firm’s and their household’s money.

“There’s absolutely no chance I’m implicated in this,” he said, adding that police have not contacted him.

Clients Out Millions: “It Makes Me Sick”

Court documents show that at least 20 individuals filed criminal complaints between December 2023 and May 2024. Victims include homebuyers and sellers whose real estate transactions were handled by Bui.

Anthony Ingarra, a mortgage agent whose family lost $410,000, said the seized designer goods are “just a splash in the pan” compared to what’s owed. Ingarra holds a default judgment against Bui for $459,000.

Other default judgments against Cartel and the firm total nearly $5 million.

Law Society Discipline and Jail Time

*Photo via Evan Mitsui / CBC — Police used a cube truck to remove seized items from the couple’s home, including luxury clothing, footwear, and two sofas.*

The Law Society of Ontario (LSO) has provisionally suspended both lawyers and launched a formal probe. In March 2025, the LSO filed 13 misconduct charges against Bui, including misappropriation and lack of integrity. She previously served 20 days in jail for contempt after ignoring civil court orders.

Cartel was also jailed for 30 days in fall 2024 for contempt but says he will appeal and seek reinstatement of his law licence.

LSO disciplinary guidelines note that lawyers who steal client funds are typically disbarred.

A Cautionary Tale for Canadian Homebuyers

This case has sent shockwaves through Ontario’s real estate community, where lawyers are legally required to handle trust funds in home sales. The lack of safeguards and oversight has left some victims financially devastated.

“You’re literally stealing from innocent people during one of the biggest transactions of their lives,” said Ingarra.

What do you think should happen to professionals who abuse client trust? Let us know in the comments.

More…

1,100+ Designer Items Seized by Toronto Police