The Zoom videoconferencing app has become almost as pervasive as the virus itself; millions of workers, friends and family members now use it daily to communicate in as close to in-person fashion as we can get under the social distancing regime. However, like all technology, there can be some risk. […]
Mark J. Astarita
DOJ Closes Its Senator Insider Trading Investigation, Except for Burr
As we posted last week, the FBI was apparently investigating Senators Loeffler, Feinstein, Inhofe and Burr for possible insider trading. Yesterday it announced that it was closing the investigation of all except Burr. It is important to note that there were probably two investigations going on, one by the FBI […]
Another Whistleblower Award – $18 Million to Whistleblower
The SEC awarded more than $18 million to a whistleblower whose significant information prompted an examination that resulted in an important enforcement action. The SEC has awarded over $448 million to 81 individuals since issuing its first award in 2012. Whistleblowers may be eligible for an award when they voluntarily […]
Another SEC Whistleblower Award – $2 Million
A flurry of whistleblower awards are coming out of the SEC. Yesterday it announced an award of approximately $2 million to a whistleblower who, according to the Commission “provided vital information and assistance that substantially contributed to an ongoing investigation. The whistleblower’s information would have been difficult for the agency […]
IRS Issues Warning About Coronavirus-Related Scams
The IRS and its Criminal Investigation Division have seen a wave of new and evolving phishing schemes against taxpayers. In most cases, the IRS will deposit economic impact payments into the direct deposit account taxpayers previously provided on tax returns. Those taxpayers who have previously filed but not provided direct […]
SEC Provides Regulatory Relief to Market Participants Affected by COVID-19
The SEC is providing additional temporary regulatory relief to market participants in response to the effects of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The actions announced today involve (1) parties needing to gain access to make filings on the EDGAR system, (2) certain company filing obligations under Regulation A and Regulation […]
Digital Asset Scam Alert
The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that it has obtained an asset freeze and other emergency relief to halt an ongoing securities fraud perpetrated by a former state senator and two others who bilked investors in and outside the U.S. The SEC’s complaint alleges that Florida residents Robert Dunlap […]
CHRONOS GROUP INVESTIGATION
On March 2, Chronos Group, a global cannabinoid company with international production and distribution announced that it was unable to complete its financial report and statements for fiscal 2019 because its audit committee, outside counsel and forensic accountants are reviewing several bulk resin purchases and sales of products through its […]
FINRA Postpones All Arbitrations
FINRA has decided to administratively postpone all in-person arbitration and mediation proceedings scheduled through May 1, 2020. If you have an in-person hearing or mediation session that is postponed as a result of this decision, you will be contacted by FINRA staff to reschedule or discuss remote scheduling options. Please […]
New SEC Whistleblower Awards
The SEC whistleblower program has generated significant awards to individuals who provide original information that leads to successful SEC enforcement actions with total monetary sanctions exceeding $1 million. The program has resulted in more than $2 billion in financial penalties, and awards in excess of $300 million. The SEC just […]
