SEC’s Emergency Action The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken decisive action against a large-scale Ponzi scheme. They have obtained a temporary restraining order, asset freeze, and the appointment of a receiver to halt the operations of Agridime LLC and its owners, Josh Link and Jed Wood. Details […]
Tag: Securities Law
Credit Suisse Entities to Pay $10 Million for Providing Prohibited Mutual Fund Services
Overview of the SEC Enforcement Action The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced an enforcement action against Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and its affiliates, collectively referred to as the Credit Suisse Entities. This action, resulting in a settlement exceeding $10 million, stems from the entities’ engagement in prohibited underwriting […]
Unregistered Brokers and Companies Face SEC Charges in $525 Million Pre-IPO Fraud Scandal
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 […]
SEC Investor Advocate’s Recommendations on Arbitration and Index-Linked Annuities
Washington D.C., Dec. 5, 2023 — In a move towards transparency and investor empowerment, the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Office of the Investor Advocate has released its comprehensive Report on Activities for the Fiscal Year 2023. This document not only outlines the Office’s accomplishments during the fiscal year but also […]
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, […]
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.
