SECP Launches Legal Offensive Against Stock Market Manipulation: Criminal Charges Filed

In a Robust move against Stock market Manipulation the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has recently initiated legal Proceedings by filing Criminal Cases against individuals suspected of involvement in these activities according to Reports on Wednesday.

The Legal action Targets Sponsors and Key figures in the Management of Brokerage Houses who are Believed to have Orchestrated Stock Market Manipulation. The focus of the Case lies in their alleged Manipulation of shares Belonging to three listed Companies. This Manipulation was achieved by Strategically Placing trading Orders with the intent to Artificially inflate Share Prices.

Upon Conducting investigations the SECP Uncovered the names of the accused individuals who Allegedly Engaged in Deceptive Practices. This involved a Scheme of Buying and Selling shares among themselves Designed to Create a Misleading Perception of Market Demand and Consequently drive up Share Prices. Furthermore these individuals were Found to have Registered Fraudulent Orders for the Purchase of Shares, actively Contributing to the Manipulation of Market Dynamics.

Deeper Scrutiny into the Matter also Revealed that the accused misused Customer accounts by Placing and Subsequently Canceling Purchase Orders for Shares. This added another Layer of Complexity to their illicit activities.

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Under the Provisions of the Securities Act of 2015 Market Manipulation is Classified as a Criminal Offense Carrying Substantial Penalties. Those found Guilty could face imprisonment for a Term of up to three years and fines reaching up to Rs 200 Million.


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The SECP Serving as the Regulatory authority Overseeing Pakistan’s Capital Market underscores its Unwavering Commitment to effective Supervision and Enforcement actions. The Primary Objective is to uphold the integrity of the Capital Market and Safeguard investors from any form of Malpractice. This Proactive legal initiative Reinforces the SECP’s Determination to ensure a fair and transparent Trading Environment. It Sends a Powerful message that Manipulative Practices will not be Tolerated and those Found Guilty will be held accountable for their Actions Reinforcing the importance of Market integrity.