Lawyers based in Toronto face charges of fraud, linked to illicit dealings within the real estate market.
Toronto, Ontario - Singa Bui, aged 42, and Nicholas Cartel, aged 61, partners at Cartel & Bui LLP, have been charged in connection with a real estate fraud and breach of trust investigation.
The news about the charges was released by police on Thursday. Singa Bui is accused of defrauding an undisclosed number of parties, including clients, in multiple property closings between 2021 and 2024. Among the charges, there are now 25 counts of fraud over $5,000 (previously 24), 17 counts of criminal breach of trust, and one count of possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000.
Nicholas Cartel, also a partner at the firm, is charged with one count of fraud over $5,000. He was arrested separately from Bui but is associated with the same investigation.
Both lawyers have been released on undertakings and are scheduled to appear in court on August 19, 2025. They are currently suspended by the Law Society of Ontario.
The charges against the Toronto lawyers are in connection with numerous real estate transactions. The specific parties defrauded and the details of the fraud are not disclosed in the paragraph. The charges against Nicholas Cartel are in connection with one of the numerous real estate transactions.
The Law Society of Ontario has suspended Singa Bui and Nicholas Cartel from practicing law. The charges against them come as a shock to the legal community, and the firm has yet to comment on the matter.
It is important to note that all accused persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
[1] Police Press Release, "Toronto Police Service," 23 September 2021,
- The financial and business sectors, specifically the real estate industry, are under scrutiny following the release of general-news about the charges against Singa Bui and Nicholas Cartel, partners at Cartel & Bui LLP, for fraud and breach of trust.
- Amidst the crime-and-justice headlines, the accused lawyers, Singa Bui and Nicholas Cartel, are facing multiple counts of fraud, criminal breach of trust, and possession of proceeds of crime, with Bui being accused of defrauding several parties in multiple property closings.
