Allegations of illegal insider trading - AMF executes search warrants and obtains orders against 13 individuals

MONTRÉAL, March 23, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - The Autorité des marchés financiers (the "AMF") has executed search warrants and obtained freeze and cease trade orders to stop the activities of a group of 13 individuals who allegedly traded in different securities while in possession of privileged information. In all, they are alleged to have realized a profit of close to $1.5 million between 2011 and 2016.

On March 22, 2016, at the request of the AMF, the Bureau de décision et de révision (the "Bureau") issued several freeze orders and orders to cease trading in securities against Josh Baazov, Craig Levett, Nathalie Bensmihan, Isam Mansour, Mona Kassfy, Allie Mansour, John Chatzidakis, Eleni Psicharis, Alain Anawati, Karl Fallenbaum, Earl Levett, Feras Antoon and Mark Wael Antoon. The AMF alleges that these individuals traded while in possession of privileged information or they leaked privileged information about potential mergers and acquisitions involving Amaya inc. in particular.

By this decision, the Bureau suspended, with immediate effect, John Chatzidakis's certificate, number 106973, in insurance of persons and group insurance of persons and his registration as a dealing representative (mutual fund dealer).

The AMF is pursuing its investigation in this matter.

The Autorité des marchés financiers (the "AMF") is the regulatory and oversight body for Québec's financial sector.

Information:

Media only: 
Sylvain Théberge: 514-940-2176

Information Centre:
Québec City: 418-525-0337
Montréal: 514-395-0337
Toll-free: 1-877-525-0337

www.lautorite.qc.ca
Twitter: @lautorite

SOURCE Autorité des marchés financiers

Media only: Sylvain Théberge: 514-940-2176; Information Centre: Québec City: 418-525-0337; Montréal: 514-395-0337; Toll-free: 1-877-525-0337; www.lautorite.qc.ca; Twitter: @lautorite