A former pro soccer player allegedly stole confidential information about pending corporate announcements from his then-girlfriend’s work laptop and traded on that information, U.S. authorities allege.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) charged Justin Jennings and his firm, Vortex Strategies LLC, with insider trading amid allegations that he acquired inside information from a laptop that belonged to the communications and investor relations firm where his girlfriend worked.
According to the SEC’s complaint, between February 2022 and October 2024, Jennings repeatedly used his girlfriend’s laptop to gain advance knowledge of corporate transactions (mergers and acquisitions), earnings releases and other significant events. He allegedly then traded on that information, generating US$2.7 million in illicit profits by trading the securities of eight companies.
In a parallel action, the U.S. attorney’s office for the District of New Jersey also charged Jennings with one count of securities fraud, eight counts of insider trading and two counts of transacting in the proceeds of crime.
None of the allegations have been proven, and he is presumed to be innocent of the criminal charges.
In its case, the SEC is seeking permanent injunctions, disgorgement and civil penalties.