INVESTIGATION

Securities Arbitration Group PLLC and CSAG is investigating Laidlaw & Company (UK) Ltd. based on investor complaints alleging undisclosed conflicts of interest in the recommendation of small-cap stocks. These complaints suggest Laidlaw may have facilitated fraudulent activities, including pump-and-dump schemes, through its role as a broker-dealer in secondary Regulation D offerings and structured PIPE deals, lacking sufficient transparency.

Internally, Laidlaw referred to these transactions as “WPGAT Deals,” reflecting their purported expertise. Allegedly, owners associated with Laidlaw were also linked to WPGAT, managing directors of PPLL Partners LLC, reportedly earning substantial undisclosed consulting fees. The investigation focuses on stocks like BioZone Pharmaceuticals (now Cocrystal Pharma), MGT Capital, and MabVax Therapeutics, with additional scrutiny on Riot Blockchain, PolarityTE, and Marathon Patent Group. Brokers reportedly involved include Richard Michlski, Kevin Wilson, Brian Robertson, Michael Murray, Luke Kottke, Daniel Kuhar, Henry McCormack, Christopher Oppito, Rob Rotunno, Craig Bonn, and John Marinaccio.

This situation highlights the critical importance of transparency and ethical conduct in financial services, underscoring the risks associated with undisclosed conflicts of interest and participation in dubious schemes. Ongoing investigations aim to protect investor interests and ensure accountability for those involved in these activities.