Insights & Regulatory Updates
SEC Charges BIT Mining with FCPA Violations in Connection with Bribery Scheme to Influence Members of Japanese Parliament
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced a significant enforcement action involving BIT Mining Ltd., formerly known as 500.com Limited, for violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). The company has agreed to pay a $4 million civil penalty to resolve charges stemming from a bribery scheme that took place from 2017 to 2019. The scheme aimed to influence Japanese government officials, including members of Japan’s parliament, in an effort to establish an integrated resort and casino in the country.
SEC Charges North Carolina Resident with Insider Trading in Biopharmaceutical Company
In a recent enforcement action, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) charged Matthew Groom, a North Carolina resident, with insider trading involving the Massachusetts-based biopharmaceutical company, Spero Therapeutics, Inc. According to the SEC’s complaint, Groom used confidential information obtained during his role as an IT consultant for Spero to avoid substantial financial losses ahead of a significant corporate announcement.