SEC Says Illinois Hedge Fund Manager Hid Major Losses During Financial Crisis

New York (HedgeCo.Net) – In suits filed in Illinois, the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission took emergency enforcement action against hedge fund manager Nikolai Battoo for allegedly exaggerating the value of the assets he managed and concealing major losses from investors during the 2008 financial crisis.

The SEC alleges that Nikolai Battoo claims to manage $1.5 billion on behalf of investors around the world, including at least $100 million for U.S.-based investors. But contrary to Battoo’s proclaimed track record of exceptional risk-adjusted returns for his investors, he actually suffered major losses in 2008 due to his investments in the Bernard Madoff Ponzi scheme and a failed derivative investment program.

“Rather than admit the losses to investors,” The SEC said, “Battoo has been overstating the value of his investments in a variety of ways. By boasting benchmark-beating returns, he has continued to attract new investors. However, during the past several months, investors have requested redemptions on their investments with Battoo. Instead of paying them, Battoo has provided a series of excuses ranging from the MF Global collapse to others placing a hold on investors’ money due to government investigations.”

Alex Akesson
Editor for HedgeCo.net
alex@hedgeco.net
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