Outspoken activist short seller Andrew Left was convicted on securities fraud charges over manipulating stock prices — a surprise verdict that sent shock waves through Wall Street.
A jury in Los Angeles federal court found Left, 55, guilty on one securities-fraud scheme count and 12 securities-fraud counts late Monday.
The famed trader’s conviction left other short sellers wondering if they, too, are now vulnerable to market-manipulation charges.
“Amazing. I was actually criminally convicted on manipulating Nvidia Facebook and Tesla for telling the truth and making a profit. I am a bit speechless,” Left told DealBook.
“What this does for future of free speech is chilling. Can Individual investors not talk SpaceX? Wow. Still shocked,” he added.
The conviction…
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