SEC Forms Task Force to Combat Cross-Border Securities Fraud

According to BlockBeats, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced the establishment of a special cross-border task force aimed at addressing cross-border trading fraud that affects American investors. The initial focus of this task force will be on investigating potential violations of U.S. federal securities laws by foreign companies, including possible market manipulation activities such as 'pump and dump' schemes. The task force will also concentrate on 'gatekeepers,' particularly auditors and underwriters who assist these companies in entering the U.S. capital markets. Additionally, it will review potential securities law violations related to companies in foreign jurisdictions. SEC Chairman Paul Atkins stated, "We welcome companies from around the world to enter the U.S. capital markets, but we will not tolerate any bad actors attempting to exploit international borders to obstruct and evade protections for U.S. investors, whether they are companies or intermediaries. The new special task force will strengthen the SEC's investigative efforts and enable the SEC to use all available tools to combat cross-border fraud."