Disbarred Toronto lawyer Howard William Cohen has been charged with fraud after continuing to practice law and represent clients.

Cohen, 65, of Nipigon Ave. in Toronto, represented himself as a lawyer in good standing at criminal court locations in both Durham Region and the Greater Toronto Area even though he was formally disbarred from the Law Society in 1996, Durham Regional Police said on Tuesday.

The investigation began in November 2012 and revealed he represented himself as a lawyer in good standing at least twice, Durham police said.

He’s charged with two counts of attempt to obstruct justice and fraud over $5,000 and was held in custody, pending a bail hearing.

Police said they’re not sure if any other clients retained Cohen as counsel.

Anyone with fresh information on the investigation is asked to contact Const. Jason Fisher of at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2525.