The SEC has taken action against five unregistered brokers and four companies based in New Jersey and New York relating their alleged involvement in a widespread fraudulent scheme related to investments in pre-initial public offering companies (pre-IPO). According to the SEC the scheme has had far-reaching consequences, resulting in over […]
Tag: SEC Enforcement
SEC Alleges $35 Million Fraud Against ArciTerra and CEO Jonathan Larmore
Washington D.C., Nov. 29, 2023 — The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently filed charges against ArciTerra Companies LLC, a Phoenix-based real estate investment firm, and its CEO, Jonathan M. Larmore. The allegations surround a complex, multi-year scheme to misappropriate over $35 million from investor funds managed by ArciTerra. Additionally, […]
SEC Charges Kraken for Unregistered Securities Operations
Kraken operated its crypto trading platform as an unregistered securities exchange, broker, dealer, and clearing agency. SEC seeks an injunction, disgorgement and penalties
American Infrastructure Funds Settles SEC Charges
American Infrastructure Funds LLC (AIM), a registered investment adviser based in Foster City, California, has agreed to a settlement with the SEC, in which AIM will pay over $1.6 million to resolve charges brought against the firm. These charges stem from several alleged breaches of its duties as an investment […]
SEC Charges Mexico-based Company and CEO in $15 Million Ponzi Scheme Targeting Spanish-Speaking U.S. Investors
Sept. 21, 2023 — The SEC has taken action against Aras Investment Business Group S.A.P.I. de C.V., a Mexico-based company, along with its CEO Armando Gutierrez Rosas and four other individuals. These charges stem from their involvement in a fraudulent scheme that siphoned over $15 million from more than 450 […]
Hire a Securities Defense Attorney to Respond to an SEC Subpoena
By Mark J. Astarita, Esq. For individuals and businesses involved in securities-related matters, facing a subpoena can be daunting. These investigations can be lengthy, detailed, and quite intense. The SEC wields substantial authority to investigate potential violations of securities laws, and responding to a subpoena demands a keen understanding of […]
SEC Charges Five Advisory Firms for Custody Rule Violations
We continue to see investigations of advisory firms for violations of the Custody Rule, which has specific requirements for the handling and reporting for firms that hold customer funds. The SEC has an extensive FAQ regarding the rule and the requirements for compliance. As always we are available to assist […]
ETF Manager Settles SEC Charges of Fraudulent Conduct
The SEC has taken action against an ETF Manager, alleging misconduct in the management of an exchange-traded fund (ETF). This scheme involved misleading the ETF’s trustees and securing a whopping $20 million in rescue financing to avert potential bankruptcy. As a result, Masucci and his entities have agreed to a substantial settlement of $4.4 million.
SEC Halts Utah-Based Crypto Asset Fraud Scheme Involving 18 Defendants
The SEC has secured temporary asset freezing, restraining orders, and other emergency measures against Digital Licensing Inc., operating under the name “DEBT Box,” a Draper, Utah-based entity. The action also involves the company’s four principals: Jason Anderson, Jacob Anderson, Schad Brannon, and Roydon Nelson, along with 13 other defendants. This […]
Fund Administrator Settles SEC Charges For Missing Red Flags
The SEC has taken action against Theorem Fund Services LLC (TFS), a Boca Raton-based fund administrator. The charges revolve around TFS’s failure to respond to red flags related to a fraudulent scheme targeting a private fund and its investors. The Background TFS found itself entangled in a web of deception […]