Stock manipulation via YouTube: Sebi bars Arshad Warsi, wife & 31 entities

YouTube channel operators published videos disseminating false information, claims, and target prices

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) on Thursday barred several entities, including actor Arshad Warsi and his wife Maria Goretti, for their alleged role in a ‘pump-and-dump’ scheme devised through YouTube channels.

In two separate interim orders in the matter of two micro-cap firms Sadhna Broadcast and Sharpline Broadcast, Sebi uncovered a nexus which entailed manipulating gullible retail investors into buying these scrips by spreading fictitious information, such as an impending acquisition by Adani Group.

False information on videos created an opportunity for violators to exit, making unlawful gains to the tune of Rs 42 crore in Sadhna