SEC Charges 18 Defendants in International Scheme to Manipulate Stocks

Posted on August 30th, 2022 at 11:34 AM
SEC Charges 18 Defendants in International Scheme to Manipulate Stocks

From the Desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged eighteen individual and entity defendants for their roles in orchestrating a scheme in which numerous online retail brokerage accounts were hacked and fraudulently used to buy microcap equities in an effort to manipulate stock prices and trading volumes.

One of the eighteen defendants, Rohim Mohamed of Alberta, Canada, allegedly coordinated the fraudulent scheme, according to the SEC. The SEC alleged that perpetrators hacked at least 31 U.S. retail broker accounts in early 2018 and purchased securities of Lotus Bio-Technology Development Corp, and Good Gaming, Inc.

The unauthorized stock purchases allegedly enabled some perpetrators, who already owned large blocks of Lotus Bio-Tech and Good Gaming stock, to sell their shares at artificially high prices and collect nearly $1 million in ill-gained proceeds. Davies Wong of Canada and Glenn Laken of Illinois, controlled the majority of Lotus Bio-Tech and Good Gaming stock that was sold during the relevant period, according to the SEC. While the investigation continues, the SEC is seeking disgorgement plus interest, penalties, bars, and other equitable relief.

Eccleston Law LLC represents investors and financial advisors nationwide in securities, employment, regulatory and disciplinary matters.

Tags: eccleston, eccleston law, advisors, law, sec

Return to Archive

TESTIMONIALS

Previous
Next

Hiring Eccleston Law has been one of the best career decisions I have made and this "investment" to maintain my sterling regulatory record has been returned many times over.  If you are in a situation where you've been unfairly accused, don't hesitate to talk with Eccleston Law. They are the best.

Thomas C.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

July 26, 2024
Kentucky Advisor Sues LPL Financial for Alleged Corporate Raid

A Kentucky advisor, Mark Lamkin, has filed a lawsuit against LPL Financial, claiming the independent broker-dealer orchestrated a corporate raid that resulted in the loss of his firm’s entire book of managed assets.

July 25, 2024
FINRA Plans Fee Increases Amid Rising Costs and Losses

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has announced plans to raise fees for its approximately 3,300 broker-dealer member firms. According to AdvisorHub, the self-regulator faces soaring costs, as detailed in its annual report published at the end of June.

July 24, 2024
Raymond James Settles with Oregon Over Excessive Commissions

Raymond James recently settled a case with Oregon's Division of Financial Regulation (“DFR”), agreeing to pay nearly $200,000 over allegations of charging excessive commissions to retail investors.