Paralegal Adelin Mocanu’s Licence Suspended Amid Fraud Claims

BREAKING: Adelin Mocanu, a paralegal from Newmarket, Ontario, has had his licence suspended amid ongoing investigations into a fraudulent traffic ticket appeal scheme. The Law Society of Ontario (LSO) confirmed the suspension, effective immediately, following serious allegations of misconduct involving over 220 “sham” appeals filed in the past two years.

The Ontario Court recently ruled that Mocanu never intended to advance these appeals, all filed after guilty pleas were entered on behalf of his clients. Instead, Justice Louis P. Strezos identified Mocanu’s tactics as a deliberate attempt to delay legal proceedings, allowing clients to evade penalties. Under provincial regulations, demerit points cannot be applied more than two years after the offence date, and neither points nor convictions can be recorded while a case is under appeal.

The LSO received a surge of complaints against Mocanu, totaling 12 additional allegations of professional misconduct, including misappropriation of funds and misleading clients. Concerns about public safety were paramount, leading the tribunal to suspend his licence. According to the LSO, the alleged misconduct raises significant questions about Mocanu’s integrity as a legal service provider.

In a motion filed on September 12, the LSO cited the urgent need to protect the public interest, emphasizing that allowing Mocanu to continue practicing could pose a risk to clients and the judicial process. The tribunal has not yet ruled on the misconduct allegations, but the suspension indicates that a panel found reasonable grounds for concern.

Mocanu’s previous history includes two prior temporary suspensions in 2023 and 2024, highlighting a troubling pattern of behaviour. Justice Strezos previously dismissed more than 220 HTA appeals filed by Mocanu, which involved various non-criminal driving offences such as speeding and failing to obey traffic signs. The judge criticized Mocanu’s actions as an “abuse of the appeals process,” stating that they endangered public safety by obscuring drivers’ true records.

Authorities in Peel Region have also raised alarms, claiming that Mocanu and his associates have filed “frivolous and meritless appeals,” which could potentially obstruct justice. While a recent decision did not classify the scheme as a crime, the implications are serious, warranting further investigation.

Mocanu, now facing significant scrutiny, did not respond to requests for comment. As investigations continue, the public and legal community will be watching closely for updates on this troubling case.

The LSO’s actions reflect a growing commitment to uphold the integrity of legal services in Ontario, safeguarding the judicial process for all. Stay tuned for more developments as this story unfolds.