The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has conducted a major
operation to disrupt a suspected organised criminal group for
engaging in insider dealing and money laundering.
On 13 October, 3 individuals were arrested following a joint
operation by the FCA and the National Crime Agency (NCA). More
than 100 FCA and NCA staff took part in searches at 5 residential
premises in London and Manchester.
More than 30 mobile phones, laptops and tablets were seized in
searches conducted by FCA investigators.
All 3 suspects are in the process of being interviewed by the FCA
at police stations in London and Manchester.
Steve Smart, executive director of enforcement and market
oversight at the FCA, said:
Insider dealing is a serious threat to the integrity of our
markets. Working with partners, we will continue to use all the
powers at our disposal to crack down on serious and organised
crime groups engaged in market abuse.
In 2025/26, the FCA secured 4 insider dealing convictions, with 2
resulting in record sentences totalling 11 years of imprisonment.
Twelve people were fined a total of £1.77m for insider dealing,
market manipulation and making misleading statements.
Notes to editors
- The FCA cannot comment further at this time but will provide
more details when appropriate.
- Fighting financial crime is a priority in the FCA's
5-year strategy.
- If you have information concerning insider dealing you can
contact the FCA by phone on 0800 111 6768 or by using the
FCA's reporting form.
Information can be passed confidentially.
