Crooked city solicitor pays council tax bill

A CROOKED New Town solicitor being pursued through the courts over a five-figure sum of unpaid council tax has handed over the disputed cash.

Michael Karus, who was jailed for three-and-a-half years for embezzling £400,000 from a pensioner’s estate, was being sued by the city council.

Council chiefs pursuing the debt were concerned the 
ex-convict was planning to move to Panama without paying. The council had previously been contacted by Karus’ sister, Anielka McElvogue, who warned them the 51-year-old was making preparations to move his assets to the Central American tax haven. But a hearing on the case was held at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday when the council’s solicitor, Victoria Marr, confirmed payment had been made.

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Ms Marr earlier told the court that Karus’ intention was to “leave the country” when another ongoing court case was resolved. Karus is currently suing his sister and brother-in-law, Tony McElvogue, for at least £11 million to recover assets he transferred into their names to protect his property empire.

Karus could not be reached for comment.