GEORGE B. DANIELS, District Judge.
The Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), Commodities Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC"), CME (as successor to the New York Mercantile Exchange) ("NYMEX") and the Bank of Montreal ("BMO") have each filed complaints stemming from an alleged fraudulent scheme perpetrated by a BMO trader, his supervisor and certain third-party brokerages between 2003 and 2007. On March 31, 2010, the defendants' motions to dismiss the SEC, CFTC and NYMEX complaints were denied. A conference relating to all four actions as well as further oral arguments relating to the motions to dismiss the BMO complaint were held on April 14, 2010. The Court has determined that issuing one combined decision is appropriate given the facts and issues common to each case. For the forgoing reasons, each of the motions to dismiss pursuant to Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 9(b), 12(b)(6) and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act ("PSLRA") is denied.
These four actions stem from a fraudulent scheme to overvalue oil and natural gas derivative options at the Bank of Montreal ("BMO") resulting in extensive losses.
The alleged fraudulent scheme involved David Lee ("Lee"), a now former BMO trader, sending inaccurate (i.e. his own) pricing information relating to his positions to third-party brokerages, most notably Optionable, Inc. ("Optionable"), as well as MF Global Inc. ("MF Global") (collectively
Lee was a natural gas trader at BMO from 2000 until 2007. (CFTC Cplt. ¶ 7.) He traded a variety of exchange-traded and over the counter ("OTC") options. (Id. ¶ 28.) Optionable and MF Global provided brokerage services in commodity derivative transactions. (Id. ¶ 9, BMO Cplt. ¶ 6.) At the end of each trading day, Lee was required to assign a value to the option positions that comprised his "book" and did so using a computer based "mark to model" method that utilized mathematical equations to forecast the value of each position. (CFTC Cplt. ¶¶ 24, 28.) Depending on the profitability of his trades, Lee was eligible for salary increases and bonus payments. (Id. ¶ 16.) In order to verify its traders' positions, BMO employed certain procedures known as the independent price verification process (the "IPV Process"). (Id. ¶ 29.) The IPV Process' was utilized to ensure that BMO's trading books were reasonably in line with market prices quoted by external sources. (Id.) Optionable was BMO's primary source for brokerage information related to the IPV Process. (Id. ¶ 33.) BMO's employees involved in the IPV process "believed that the bid/offer quotes they received from brokers represented the brokers' independent assessment of the bids and offers currently available in the market for certain option strips." (Id. ¶ 30.) If the IPV process resulted in a discrepancy between a trader's model and the brokers' assessment, BMO would make a valuation adjustment based upon their "tolerance threshold." (Id. ¶ 32.) In addition to the IPV Process, BMO's Market Risk Division employed a volatility skew verification process (the "VSV Process") to ensure that BMO's trading books were in line with other market participants skews. (Id. ¶ 34.)
In spite of BMO's safeguards, Lee was able to mis-mark his book by approximately C$221,875,297 as of January 21, 2007 and C$257,801,706 as of March 30, 2007. (Id. ¶ 35.) On April 27, 2007, BMO announced that, due in large part to Lee's mis-marking, it would suffer losses between C$350,000,000 and C$450,000,000. (Id.) On May 17, 2007, BMO announced that it had re-estimated its losses to be approximately C$680,000,000. (Id. ¶ 41.)
Lee was able to carry out his mis-marking by fabricating bid/offer quotes and transmitting them to the Third-Party Brokerages, chiefly Optionable, who would in turn re-submit them to BMO employees carrying out the IPV process. (Id. ¶¶ 44-48.) This process is referred to as "uturning." (SEC Cplt. ¶ 25.) The price quotes Lee sent to Optionable and MF Global were generally more favorable to his positions than actual market prices, allowing Lee to overstate the value of his positions and bypass BMO's internal controls. (BMO Cplt. ¶¶ 37, 53.) Over time, these tactics became more elaborate. For instance, Optionable developed a service called "OPEX Analytics RealMarks" ("RealMarks") which claimed to provide a greater array of independent quotes, but in fact involved Lee fabricating bids and offers and emailing them in grid format to Optionable from his home computer. (CFTC Cplt. ¶ 50.) Optionable would then submit Lee's grids to BMO's back office. (Id.) "RealMarks" was designed by Optionable to compete with Totem RealMarks
These practices are alleged to have allowed Lee to mis-value his positions and enter into higher-value, riskier trades including "1x2" trades
In May of 2005, Optionable registered a public offering of its stock with the SEC. (N.Y.MEX Cplt. ¶ 18.) Optionable was required to file periodic reports including Forms 10-KSB and 10-QSB with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. (SEC Cplt. ¶ 15.) In 2006, Optionable publicly reported that it was experiencing a major increase in revenues and net income. (N.Y.MEX Cplt. ¶ 28.). This increase was due in large part to the business being received from BMO which was supplemented by commissions paid by counter-parties to the BMO transactions. (Id. ¶ 30.) Optionable's stock rose from its $1 approximate initial public offering price to as much as $2.84 in the last quarter of 2006. (Id. ¶ 31.)
In late 2006 and early 2007, Kevin Cassidy ("Cassidy"), Edward O'Connor ("O'Connor") and Mark Nordlicht ("Nordlicht") negotiated with NYMEX to sell Optionable stock, provide a warrant for future stock purchases and further induce NYMEX to invest in Optionable. (Id. ¶ 41.) In 2007, NYMEX, during the course of their due diligence investigation, asked defendants to provide information and documents relating to Optionable's business and financial conditions that would be of interest to prospective investors. (Id. ¶ 42.) Defendants referred to and provided SEC filings that set forth an inaccurate description of Optionable's business. (Id. ¶ 43.) On January 22, 2007, NYMEX signed a Term Sheet with Optionable, Cassidy, O'Connor and Nordlicht calling for NYMEX to purchase 7,000,000, 1,905,000 and 1,853,886 shares of Optionable stock from Nordlicht, O'Connor and Cassidy respectively at
On April 10, 2007, after concluding their due diligence investigation, NYMEX entered into a definitive Stock and Warrant Purchase Agreement (the "SWPA") with defendants pursuant to which NYMEX paid Nordlicht $18,830,000 for 7,000,000 shares; Cassidy and/or Pierpont $5,124,450 for 1,905,000 shares; and O'Connor and/or Ridgecrest $4,986,953 for 1,853,886 shares and received the Warrant referenced in the Term Sheet. (Id. ¶¶ 48-49.) The SWPA contained various guaranties, warranties and representation that did not detail the alleged scheme. (Id. ¶¶ 50-51.) As part of their agreement, NYMEX agreed to host Optionable's brokerage platform and pay commissions on trades routed through it.
At the same time the SWPA was being negotiated, the Defendants were refusing to comply with requests from BMO to provide the sources and backup data relating the pricing information Optionable had been furnishing. (Id. ¶ 54.) The defendants did not disclose this to NYMEX. Less than a month after the SWPA was consummated, BMO issued a press release stating that its energy derivative positions had been overvalued and misstated, and that Lee as well as another employee (Moore) had been suspended, as had its business relationship with Optionable. (Id. ¶¶ 57-61.)
In the wake of the press release, Optionable's stock fell from $4.64 on May 9, 2007 to $0.85 on May 10, 2007 and as of March 26, 2009 was only worth $0.01. (Id. ¶¶ 59, 64.) Optionable stated in its Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2002 (sic
The alleged fraudulent scheme is claimed to have benefited each defendant. Lee and Moore are alleged to have received larger salaries and bonuses from BMO in addition to gifts from Optionable. (Id. ¶¶ 77-78.) Optionable and its employees, officers and directors are alleged to have profited from increased commissions from Optionable as well as NYMEX and the sale of stock to NYMEX. MF Global is alleged to have benefited from "substantial broker fees and commissions" resulting from the alleged scheme. (BMO Cplt. ¶¶ 132, 150.)
"To survive a motion to dismiss, a complaint must contain sufficient factual matter, accepted as true, to `state a claim to relief that is plausible on its face.'" Ashcroft v. Iqbal, ___ U.S. ____, 129 S.Ct. 1937, 1949, 173 L.Ed.2d 868 (2009) (quoting Bell Atl. Corp. v. Twombly, 550 U.S. 544, 570, 127 S.Ct. 1955, 167 L.Ed.2d 929 (2007)). This standard is met "when the plaintiff pleads factual content that allows
Fed.R.Civ.P. 9(b) applies to "all averments of fraud or mistake;" it requires that "the circumstances constituting fraud. . . be stated with particularity," but provides that "[m]alice, intent, knowledge, and other condition of mind of a person may be averred generally." Tellabs, Inc. v. Makor Issues & Rights, Ltd., 551 U.S. 308, 319, 127 S.Ct. 2499, 168 L.Ed.2d 179 (U.S.2007). In a case involving multiple defendants, plaintiffs must plead circumstances providing a factual basis for scienter (when required) for each defendant; guilt by association is impermissible. This can consist of allegations as to who "possessed . . . knowledge" of the fraud, "when and how they obtained [that] knowledge," or even why they "should have known" of the fraud. Meijer, Inc. v. Ferring B.V. (In re DDAVP Direct Purchaser Antitrust Litig.), 585 F.3d 677, 695 (2d Cir.2009) (internal citations omitted).
In addition, the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act ("PSLRA"), enacted in 1995, further requires that in a securities fraud case alleging a material misrepresentation or omission, "the complaint shall specify each statement alleged to have been misleading, the reason or reasons why the statement is misleading, and, if an allegation regarding the statement or omission is made on information and belief, the complaint shall state with particularity all facts on which that belief is formed." 15 U.S.C. § 78u-4(b)(1). The PSLRA also requires that in cases where a particular state of mind on the part of the defendant is required, the plaintiff must "state with particularity facts giving rise to a strong inference that the defendant acted with the required state of mind." 15 U.S.C. § 78u-4(b)(2). To qualify as a "strong inference," the inference of scienter must be "more than merely plausible or reasonable—it must be cogent and at least as compelling as any opposing inference of nonfraudulent intent." Tellabs, 551 U.S. at 314, 127 S.Ct. 2499. The requisite inference of scienter can be supported by alleging facts to show either (1) that defendants had the motive and opportunity to commit fraud, or (2) strong circumstantial evidence of conscious misbehavior or recklessness. Novak v. Kasaks, 216 F.3d 300, 307 (2d Cir.2000). See also Teamsters Local 445 Freight Div. Pension Fund v. Dynex Capital, Inc., 531 F.3d 190, 195 (2d Cir.2008). Recklessness is defined as "at the least, . . . an extreme departure from the standards of ordinary care to the
BMO's causes of action are unique amongst the four complaints, as they sound in New York state law, as opposed to federal securities laws. BMO asserts claims for fraud, negligent misrepresentation, aiding and abetting fraud, aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty and breach of contract. To assert a claim for fraud under New York law, a plaintiff must plead the following four elements: (1) defendant made a material misrepresentation; (2) defendant did so with intent of defrauding plaintiff; (3) plaintiff relied upon the representation; and (4) plaintiff suffered damages as a result of its reliance. Banque Arabe et Internationale D'Investissement v. Maryland Nat'l Bank, 57 F.3d 146, 153 (2d Cir.1995) (internal quotation marks omitted). To assert a claim for negligent misrepresentation under New York law, BMO must plead the following five elements: (1) the defendant had a duty, as a result of a special relationship, to give correct information; (2) the defendant made a false representation that he or she should have known was incorrect; (3) the information supplied in the representation was known by the defendant to be desired by the plaintiff for a serious purpose; (4) the plaintiff intended to rely and act upon it; and (5) the plaintiff reasonably relied on it to his or her detriment. Hydro Investors v. Trafalgar Power Inc., 227 F.3d 8, 20 (2d Cir.2000). However, such misstatements are actionable only if the defendant is under a duty to the plaintiff to exercise reasonable care in giving the information, and plaintiffs' reliance upon the information is foreseeable. Eternity Global Master Fund Ltd. v. Morgan Guar. Trust Co. of N.Y., 375 F.3d 168, 187 (2d Cir.2004) (citing Heard v. City of New York, 82 N.Y.2d 66, 623 N.E.2d 541, 545, 603 N.Y.S.2d 414 (N.Y. 1993)). Liability for negligent misrepresentations is "imposed only on those persons who possess unique or specialized expertise, or who are in a special position of confidence and trust with the injured party such that reliance on the negligent misrepresentation is justified." Eternity Global Master Fund, 375 F.3d at 187 (quoting Kimmell v. Schaefer, 89 N.Y.2d 257, 675 N.E.2d 450, 652 N.Y.S.2d 715 (N.Y.1996)).
In order to allege its claims of aiding and abetting fraud and aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty, BMO must allege facts establishing that the initial violators committed the underlying fraud and/or breach of fiduciary duty respectively. Kaufman v. Cohen, 307 A.D.2d 113, 760 N.Y.S.2d 157, 169 (1st Dep't, 2003). See also Lerner v. Fleet Bank, N.A., 459 F.3d 273, 292 (2d Cir. 2006) (holding that the existence of fraud must be shown in order to establish a claim of aiding and abetting fraud). A claim for aiding and abetting a breach of fiduciary duty requires: (1) a breach by a fiduciary of obligations to another, (2) that the defendant knowingly induced or participated in the breach, and (3) that plaintiff suffered damage as a result of the breach. Id. To state a claim for the underlying breach of fiduciary duty in New York, BMO must allege: (1) the existence of fiduciary relationship; (2) knowing breach of a duty that relationship imposes; and (3) damages suffered, Carruthers v. Flaum, 388 F.Supp.2d 360, 380 (S.D.N.Y. 2005).
The elements required to establish a breach of contract under New York law are: (1) the existence of a contract; (2) performance of the contract by one party; (3) breach by the other party; and (4) damages resulting from the breach. Ter-williger
The SEC and NYMEX complaints allege violations of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act
To state a claim under Sections 10(b) of the Exchange Act and 17(a) of the Securities Act, the plaintiff must successfully allege that each defendant: (1) committed a deceptive or manipulative act, or made a material misrepresentation (or a material omission if the defendant had a duty to speak) or used a fraudulent device; (2) with scienter; (3) which affected the market for securities or was otherwise in connection with their offer, sale or purchase. SEC v. Monarch Funding Corp., 192 F.3d 295, 308 (2d Cir.1999). Under Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 a private plaintiff must also prove (4) reliance; (5) economic loss; and (6) loss causation. Dura Pharms., Inc. v. Broudo, 544 U.S. 336, 341-42, 125 S.Ct. 1627, 161 L.Ed.2d 577 (2005).
Similarly, to establish liability for fraud in connection with the sale of commodity options under Section 4c(b) of the Commodity Exchange Act, the CFTC must establish "(1) the making of a misrepresentation, misleading statement, or a deceptive omission; (2) scienter; and (3) materiality." CFTC v. R.J. Fitzgerald & Co., Inc., 310 F.3d 1321, 1328 (11th Cir. 2002). See also CFTC v. Commodity Inv. Group, Inc., 2006 WL 353466, *1-2, 2006 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 5772, *3-4 (S.D.N.Y. 2006).
While proof of scienter is a necessary element of liability under Section 4c(b) of the Commodity Exchange Act and Sections 17(a)(1) and 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act, it is not required for liability under Sections 17(a)(2) and 17(a)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act.
In order to state a claim under Sections 17(a) of the Securities Act, 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Section 4c(b) of the Commodity Exchange Act, the heightened pleading standard of Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 9(b) must be satisfied. A securities fraud complaint alleging a misstatement under Rule 10b-5(b) "must (1) specify the statements that the plaintiff contends were fraudulent, (2) identify the speaker, (3) state where and when the statements were made, and (4) explain why the statements were fraudulent. Allegations that are conclusory or unsupported by factual assertions are insufficient." ATSI Comms., 493 F.3d at 99; Caiafa v. Sea Containers Ltd., 525 F.Supp.2d 398, 407 (S.D.N.Y.2007). While claims brought pursuant to Rule 10b-5(b) require plaintiffs to allege a false or misleading statement (or omission), subsections (a) and (c) are not so restricted. In order to state a claim under Rule 10b-5(a) or (c) a complaint must include an "allegation that the defendant (1) committed a manipulative or deceptive act (2) in furtherance of the alleged scheme to defraud, (3) scienter, and (4) reliance." In re Global Crossing, Ltd. Sec. Litig., 322 F.Supp.2d 319, 336 (S.D.N.Y.2004). A defendant can be held liable under subsections (a) and (c) for conduct in one period that gives rise to a misstatement in a later period. Id. at 335. Unlike private litigants, who must comply with the PSLRA, the SEC is not required to prove investor reliance, loss causation, or damages in an action for securities fraud. SEC v. Simpson Capital Mgmt., 586 F.Supp.2d 196, 201 (S.D.N.Y.2008) citing SEC v. KPMG LLP, 412 F.Supp.2d 349, 375 (S.D.N.Y.2006).
In order to find a defendant liable for aiding and abetting securities fraud under Section 20(e) of the Securities Exchange Act, the plaintiff must prove: (1) a securities law violation by a primary wrongdoer; (2) knowledge of the violation by the person sought to be charged; and (3) proof that the person sought to be charged substantially assisted in the primary wrongdoing. SEC v. Wexler, 1993 WL 362390, 1993 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 12656 (S.D.N.Y.1993).
MF Global and Saab are only named as defendants in the BMO action. They are charged with fraud, negligent misrepresentation and aiding and abetting both fraud and breach of fiduciary duty. MF Global is alleged to have provided BMO with price quotations via spreadsheets which bore the following disclaimer:
The spreadsheets provided Saab's e-mail address in the event further information was required. BMO alleges that the
With regard to Optionable's role in the alleged fraudulent scheme, several specific communications relating to the purported "independence" of the bids/quotes are included in BMO's complaint. Notably, on May 3, 2006, an employee in BMO's Investment Banking Group Product Operations e-mailed defendant Connor to ask him to
On September 28, 2006, a Market Risk employee e-mailed an Optionable employee to:
BMO's complaint goes on to detail sixtyone e-mail and instant message communications between October 21, 2003, and September 28, 2006, that involved Lee sending pipeline volatility reports and price quotations that were inflated by millions of dollars to Woodgate, Cassidy and Connor, which were then passed on to BMO as Optionable's independent assessment. (Id. ¶¶36-40.) In an e-mail dated August 31, 2006, from Connor to Lee, the term "Market Quotes" is used in a chart listing various option prices. (Id. ¶34.) Optionable often forwarded Lee's numbers back to BMO in under ten minutes. (Id. ¶ 36.) When BMO was considering whether to utilize a different third-party valuation service, Optionable assisted Lee and Moore with convincing BMO to retain its services. (Id. ¶ 72.) Prior to entering in to the OPEX Analytics RealMarks Agreement ("OPEX Agreement"), on January 19, 2007, an Optionable employee represented that quotes were obtained from:
In the subsequently entered into OPEX Agreement, Optionable represented that
In 2007, BMO employees from New York, Chicago and Toronto began an investigation regarding the Commodity Derivatives Group. The investigation determined that, despite a notice dated April 27, 2007, directing Lee to preserve relevant information, he had deleted more than one hundred
Each defendant, other than Nordlicht, is charged with fraud. A common law fraud claim must meet the particularity requirements of Rule 9(b), however it need not satisfy the PSLRA. Muller-Paisner v. TIAA, 289 Fed.Appx. 461, 463 (2d Cir. 2008). As noted above, BMO must plead a misstatement, intent on the part of each defendant, reasonable reliance and damages.
BMO has provided specific examples of how the alleged fraudulent scheme was carried out. The misstatements alleged are the "market quotes" sent to BMO that were not what they were purported to be. (Transcript of Oral Argument, April 14, 2010 PP. 98:3-100:2.) Whether or not the parties understood precisely what BMO expected or whether there exist alternate theories as to why BMO's fraud prevention systems failed are wholly irrelevant on a motion to dismiss. It is undisputed that BMO wanted the third-party brokerages to do something, and a fair reading of the complaint as alleged indicates that they may have done nothing. The third-party brokerages received millions of dollars in fees and commissions, corporate good-will, and in Optionable's case, the opportunity to sell millions of dollars worth of stock to NYMEX. The intent behind the use of such terms as "independent," "market quotes," and "consensus" must be established in the context of the alleged fraudulent scheme.
Similarly, when reaching a determination as to whether the plaintiffs' reliance was justifiable under New York law, the Court will review the entire context of the transaction. Emergent Capital Inv. Mgmt., LLC v. Stonepath Group, Inc., 343 F.3d 189, 195 (2d Cir.2003). While it is true that BMO is a sophisticated corporate entity, it is also true that Optionable and MF Global presented themselves as experts in the oil and natural gas commodity industry and, even under their alternate theories, knew that the numbers they
Lastly, to the extent that the defendants argue that BMO's fraud claim is duplicative of its breach of contract claims, any overlap would extend only to those quotes provided after the February 23, 2007, the date that the OPEX Agreement (i.e. the contract at issue) was entered in to. Furthermore, a claim of fraud can be maintained along with a breach of contract claim where the fraudulent misrepresentation alleged is collateral or extraneous to the contract. Fashion Shop LLC v. Virtual Sales Group Corp., 525 F.Supp.2d 436, 445 (S.D.N.Y.2007) citing McKernin v. Fanny Farmer Candy Shops, 176 A.D.2d 233, 574 N.Y.S.2d 58, 60 (2d Dep't, 1991). Optionable's assertions relating to the source of the quotes utilized by the OPEX system fall outside of the contract. (BMO Cplt. ¶¶74-75.) Therefore, the fraud claim may proceed along with the breach of contract claim.
BMO's negligent misrepresentation claim, pled in the alternative, also satisfies the requirements of Rule 9(b). Negligent misrepresentation "involves most of the same elements as fraud, with a negligence standard substituted for the scienter requirement." Carroll v. Leboeuf, Lamb, Greene & MaCrae, LLP, 623 F.Supp.2d 504, 510 (S.D.N.Y.2009) (quotations omitted). Thus, if a misrepresentation meets all of the elements of fraud except for the element of scienter—i.e., if the false statement was not known by the defendant to be false—it can still be the basis for a negligent misrepresentation claim if (a) the defendant should have known that the statement was false, and (b) a special relationship existed between the parties. Glidepath Holding B.V. v. Spherion Corp., 2010 WL 1372553, *11-12, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 33255, *36-37 (S.D.N.Y. Mar. 26, 2010).
The primary issue presented in this case is whether a "special relationship" existed between BMO and the Third-Party Brokerages. BMO possesses significant knowledge and expertise. However, its alleged purpose in utilizing
BMO must plead the required elements of aiding and abetting fraud with particularity, as required by Rule 9(b), however it need not meet the standard set forth in the PSLRA. See i.e. Lerner v. Fleet Bank, N.A., 459 F.3d 273, 292-93 (2d Cir.2006). BMO must plead the required elements of aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty with particularity, as required by Rule 9(b), to the extent the underlying primary violations are based on fraud. Kolbeck v. LIT Am., 939 F.Supp. 240, 245 (S.D.N.Y.1996).
Aiding and abetting both fraud and breach of fiduciary duty requires a primary violation, actual knowledge on the part of the aider and abettor, and substantial assistance. Design Strategy, Inc. v. Davis, 469 F.3d 284, 303 (2d Cir.2006) (aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty); JP Morgan Chase Bank v. Winnick, 406 F.Supp.2d 247, 252 (S.D.N.Y. 2005) (aiding and abetting fraud). Substantial assistance is found where "(1) a defendant `affirmatively assists, helps conceal, or by virtue of failing to act when required to do so enables the fraud to proceed'; and (2) `the actions of the aider/abettor
The primary violators underlying these claims are alleged to be Lee and Moore, who are not charged in BMO's complaint. It is accepted that Lee and Moore owed a fiduciary duty and a duty of fair dealing to their employer, BMO. At issue is whether the defendants had actual knowledge of the underlying violation, and whether they provided substantial assistance. Nordlicht, along with the other Optionable defendants, is alleged to have developed the idea of having BMO execute EOO trades on unfavorable terms. (Id. ¶88.) The EOO trades in question involved buying an American-style straddle option on the NYMEX and selling a Europeanstyle straddle OTC. (Id. ¶84.) Americanstyle straddle options offer more flexibility because they are redeemable at any point up to their expiration date, whereas European-style straddle options are redeemable only on their expiration date. (Id. ¶83.) Because of this difference, the purchase of the America-style straddle options resulted in a cash payment by BMO to the counterparty. (Id. ¶84.)
Nordlicht is alleged to be the managing member of Platinum Management (N.Y.), LLC, which is itself the General Partner of Platinum Partners Value Arbitrage Fund, LP ("Platinum Partners"), which was a counterparty to some of the EOO trades. (Id. ¶¶89-90.) Other counterparties includes the Murray Huberfeld and David Bodner Partnership, Fenmore Holdings, Hazan Energy, LLC and Bromley Energy LLC (a/k/a Bromley Energy Fund LLP) ("Bromley"). (Id.) With the exception of Hazan Energy, LLC, each of the aforementioned counterparties shared an address with Platinum Partners. Together with Bromley's principal trader, Nordlicht assigned a patent-pending system and method for real-time trading over a computer network to Optionable. (Id. ¶90.) Nearly all of the EOO trades were brokered by companies with which Cassidy and O'Connor were associated. (Id. ¶88.)
The EOO trades are alleged to have allowed the defendants to further their scheme by generating millions of dollars in commissions and fees and disguising actual losses as gains. (Id. ¶91-92.) It is alleged that Nordlicht, amongst others, "knew that Lee misrepresented to BMO that the EOO trades were legitimate transactions that generated a net profit for BMO . . . knew that in fact, the EOO trades required a new payment of premium by BMO to its counterparties, and that the reason Lee arranged the EOO trades
BMO has asked the Court to examine various layers of the alleged fraudulent scheme to determine whether multiple, facially legal, activities can, when viewed as a whole, satisfy the pleading requirements of Rule 9(b). See i.e. Nathel v. Siegal, 592 F.Supp.2d 452, 469 (S.D.N.Y. 2008) (Seemingly innocuous documents were sufficient for a finding of actual knowledge where they related to "the core of the alleged fraud"). Furthermore, the allegation of actual knowledge does not have to be based on a defendant's explicit acknowledgment of the fraud. See JP Morgan Chase Bank v. Winnick, 406 F.Supp.2d 247, 249 (S.D.N.Y.2005); Kottler v. Deutsche Bank AG, 607 F.Supp.2d 447, 465 (S.D.N.Y.2009) (false paper trail created to minimize the appearance of fraudulent tax shelters sufficient to allege aiding and abetting liability against the developer of the fraudulent strategy).
This case involves more than simply clearing trades. Optionable, MF Global and the individual defendants are alleged to have perpetrated a scheme whereby over a course of years they assisted in the overvaluing of a broker's book by proffering information they knew to be false, not to BMO's trader, but rather to those employees overseeing him. The quotes provided were in fact more favorable to Lee's positions. The complaint presents sufficient factual allegations to conclude that the quotes provided were not, under any reasonable definition of such terms as "independent" or derived from the "market," what the parties bargained for. The facts as alleged are therefore sufficient to meet the plausibility threshold on a motion to dismiss, and provide the required degree of specificity under Rule 9(b).
This cause of action is brought by BMO against Optionable only for an alleged breach of the OPEX Analytics Real-Marks Agreement (the "Agreement"). The parties do not dispute that the required prima facie elements, namely the existence of the contract, performance by one party, the breach and resulting damages have been successfully alleged. Optionable argues that the claim should be dismissed for failure to comply with Rule 9(b) and because certain contractual provisions limit its liability. Rule 9(b) applies only to allegations of fraud and mistake.
The Agreement contained a limitation on damages "other than in the event of gross negligence or willful misconduct." (Bongiorno Dec., Ex. 1., the Agreement P. 3.) It also contains an indemnification clause under which Optionable agreed to indemnify BMO from damages and losses "directly or indirectly arising out of or in any way related to Optionable's performance under the Agreement," and costs incurred by BMO as a result. (BMO Cplt. ¶ 194.) BMO has alleged that they received "supposedly independent prices," after entering into the Agreement that were in fact Lee's own numbers. (Id. ¶¶25, 26, 77.) If a contract is ambiguous as applied to a particular set of facts, a court has insufficient data to dismiss a complaint for failure to state a claim. Eternity Global Master Fund Ltd. v. Morgan Guar. Trust Co., 375 F.3d 168 at 178. In regards to the instant matter, BMO has proffered a sufficient argument to suggest that the indemnity clause at issue may encompass BMO's losses. See S.A. Carmeuse v. M.J. Stavola Indus., Inc., 823 F.Supp. 125, 130 (S.D.N.Y.1993). The Court accordingly denies the motion to dismiss the breach of contract claim.
Certain defendants have attempted to invoke the doctrine of in pari delicto by arguing that BMO is at fault for not monitoring its own employees' activities. To successfully apply the doctrine, the plaintiff must be an active, voluntary participant in the wrongful conduct, and the plaintiff's wrongdoing must be at least substantially equal to that of the defendant. BrandAid Mktg. Corp. v. Biss, 462 F.3d 216, 218 (2d Cir.2006) (internal citations omitted). Furthermore, under New York law, the doctrine of in pari delicto may be subject to the "adverse interest" exception, which applies when an agent is defrauding the principle exclusively for the agent's own benefit and to the detriment of the corporation. Symbol Tech., Inc. v. Deloitte & Touche, LLP, 69 A.D.3d 191, 888 N.Y.S.2d 538, 541-42 (2d Dep't, 2009). Another exception to the in pari delicto defense is the "innocent insider" exception, which provides that if there is another agent within the corporation who had no knowledge of the fraud, and who had the will and the ability to stop the fraud had it come to his or her attention, the in pari delicto defense will fail. Id.
It is unreasonable to conclude that BMO ratified or benefited from the selfserving actions undertaken by Lee and Moore. The BMO complaint alleges that Lee and Moore consciously sought to bypass BMO's internal controls in perpetrating the alleged scheme, and that BMO ultimately lost millions of dollars as a result. The fact that BMO's internal controls may have been inadequate would not rise to the level of active, voluntary participation and any short-term gains that were the product of the alleged fraudulent scheme do not suggest that BMO was aware of, or accepting of, Lee's and Moore's actions.
The SEC's complaint asserts claims against Lee, Cassidy, O'Connor and Connor.
The SEC charges O'Connor with primary violations of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, as well as Section 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 for securities fraud. The SEC also asserts claims under Section 13(b)(5) of the Exchange Act and Rule 13b2-1 for causing the falsification of BMO's and Optionable's books and records. Finally, the SEC asserts claims under Rule 13b2-2 for misstatements to Optionable's auditors and Rule 13a-14 for misstatements in signed certifications. In the alternative, pursuant to Section 20(e) of the Exchange Act, the SEC charges O'Connor with aiding and abetting the other defendants,' as well as BMO's and Optionable's primary violations of Section 10(b) and Rule 10b-5.
The SEC alleges that "O'Connor handled the mechanics of the `u-turn' process for a period of time in 2005 . . . O'Connor gave Connor the names of the BMO personnel to whom Connor should send the quotes." (SEC Cplt. ¶ 26.) O'Connor would sometimes review and approve Connor's work after he took over handling the mechanics of the "u-turn" process. (Id. ¶ 27.)
The SEC also alleges that "O'Connor also made materially false and misleading statements about Optionable's business to Optionable's investors and outside auditors." (Id. ¶ 38.) The SEC alleges that O'Connor signed Optionable's Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ending December 21, 2006, which falsely touted the independent derivatives valuation services that Optionable provided. (Id. ¶ 39.) As BMO was Optionable's largest customer, and Optionable was allegedly defrauding, rather than assisting with valuation services, these statements were misleading. (Id.) Optionable's quarterly reports, also signed by O'Connor, did not disclose that their business relationship with BMO was dependant on conspiring with Lee. (Id. ¶ 40.) The SEC further alleges that O'Connor falsely stated that he did not have knowledge of any fraudulent conduct on the part of management when interviewed by Optionable's auditors in 2006. (Id. ¶ 42.)
On April 10, 2007, O'Connor sold approximately 1.8 million shares of Optionable stock to the NYMEX for approximately $4.9 million through Ridgecrest Capital, Inc., an entity he controlled. (Id. ¶ 43.) The SEC alleges that O'Connor made material misrepresentations in the SWPA in violation of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Id.)
The SEC does not allege that O'Connor made a misstatement of, or omitted, a material fact in furtherance of the fraudulent scheme. The basis of the Section 10(b) and Rule 10b-5 claims are the allegations that he committed a manipulative or deceptive act in furtherance of the scheme. Therefore the SEC's claims relating to the fraudulent scheme are confined to subsections (a) and (c) of Rule 10b-5 and not subsection (b). O'Connor's arguments for dismissal relating to misstatements and omissions are therefore inapplicable to the fraudulent scheme claims. O'Connor seeks dismissal of a perceived Rule 10b-5(b) claim relating to the First Claim of the Complaint, however, the SEC has not asserted a primary claim against O'Connor under that subsection, thus rendering the issue moot. (See Transcript of Oral Argument 10/21/09 PP. 32:25-33:4.)
The securities fraud allegations against O'Connor in the SEC Complaint provide a sufficient level of specificity under Rule 9(b). See SEC v. Simpson Capital Mgmt., 586 F.Supp.2d at 208. In order to satisfy the required particularity standards for its Rule 10b-5(a) and (c) claims, the SEC must specify what deceptive or manipulative acts were performed, which defendant(s) performed them, when the acts were performed, and what effect the scheme had on investors in the securities at issue. See In re Parmalat Sec. Litig., 376 F.Supp.2d 472, 493 (S.D.N.Y.2005) (declaring as subject to Rule 10b-5(a) and (c), transactions that were deceptive because they "created an appearance of substance where substance was lacking").
In the instant matter, the SEC provides allegations that the defendants colluded to deceive BMO's Market Risk division into believing that the quotes originating with Lee, and "u-turned" by Optionable, were independent quotes. These actions were allegedly taken in order for Lee to "smooth" the appearance of his book, and resulted in BMO approving his request for higher trading limits. O'Connor is alleged to have participated in the perpetration of the alleged fraud. The result was an allegedly material overstatement of BMO's net income in the fiscal year 2006 and the first quarter of 2007 resulting in damages to BMO and investors in Optionable.
The SEC has specifically alleged how O'Connor employed a deceptive device and engaged in a deceptive course of conduct to defraud. At a bare minimum, the SEC alleges that O'Connor knew that Lee was the source of the quotes and personally assisted with the "u-turn" process designed to "smooth" Lee's "book." This enabled Lee to enter into higher value trades for the purpose of disguising his underlying losses and ultimately led to hundreds of millions of dollars in losses. The SEC has made sufficient allegations of the defendants' personal involvement to satisfy Rule 9(b) and to survive the motion to dismiss its primary violation claims under subsections (a) and (c) of Rule 10b-5.
Scienter and the "In Connection With" Requirement
To satisfy the pleading requirements of Section 10(b) and Rule 10b-5, the SEC must allege that O'Connor "acted with scienter, `a mental state embracing intent to deceive, manipulate, or defraud.'" Tellabs, Inc. v. Makor Issues & Rights,
Allegations of motives possessed by most corporate directors and officers do not adequately allege scienter and the motive to retain a business' largest client is a general rather than specific motive. Novak v. Kasaks, 216 F.3d 300, 308 (2d Cir.2000). This proposition must be reconciled with the fact that "there will rarely be direct evidence of intent to defraud." Global Crossing, 322 F.Supp.2d at 344. The SEC alleges that O'Connor, as a founder, President, director and former CEO and Treasurer of Optionable, which advertised its independent valuation services to the public, could not possibly have thought that his conduct was anything but knowingly deceptive and reckless. In short, if BMO wanted Lee's valuations, they could have simply asked him and eliminated their reliance on BMO's valuation services entirely. The scheme is alleged to have provided both the opportunity to sell stock at an inflated price and expand Optionable's business and its corresponding status in the marketplace. O'Connor is alleged to have benefited, in a concrete and personal way that an average shareholder could not, by entering into the SWPA. He allegedly knew facts or had information to suggest that Optionable's public statements were inaccurate on account of his participation in the "u-turn" process. Novak v. Kasaks, 216 F.3d at 308. Therefore, the SEC has adequately pled that O'Connor acted with the required element of scienter in order to survive the motion to dismiss.
The SEC has brought claims under Section 17(a) of the Securities Act and Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 relating to material misstatements and omissions made in Optionable's public filings and to NYMEX. The SEC Complaint describes which certifications and public filings it alleges were in violation and how they related to both Optionable and NYMEX. (SEC Cplt. ¶¶39-43.) A factual statement, misrepresentation, or omission is material if there is a substantial likelihood that the misrepresentation "would have been viewed by the reasonable investor as having significantly altered the `total mix' of information made available." Basic, Inc. v. Levinson, 485 U.S. 224, 231-32, 108 S.Ct. 978, 99 L.Ed.2d 194 (1988) (quoting TSC Industries, Inc. v. Northway, Inc., 426 U.S. 438, 449, 96 S.Ct. 2126, 48 L.Ed.2d 757 (1976)). Phrased differently, "materiality depends on the significance the reasonable investor would place on the withheld or misrepresented information." Id. at 241, 108 S.Ct. 978. The misstatements and omissions alleged here indicate that Optionable purported to be a profitable business when it was in fact knowingly relying on the alleged scheme to maintain its status. The false statements complained of would be material to a reasonable investor. Therefore, the motion to dismiss those claims relating to material misstatements and omissions brought pursuant to Section 10(b), Rule 10b-5(b) and Section 17(a) is denied.
The SEC alleges that periodic reports issued by both BMO and Optionable
The CFTC Complaint (the "CFTC Complaint") alleges that Lee, Cassidy, O'Connor, Moore and Optionable violated § 4c(b) of the Commodity Exchange Act (the "CEA"), 7 U.S.C. § 6b(c) and Regulation 33.10, 17 C.F.R. § 33.10 promulgated thereunder. Defendant's Lee and Moore have entered into Consent Judgments with the CFTC. (See Docket Entry Nos. 64, 68.) Defendants Optionable, Cassidy and O'Connor move to dismiss.
Commodities Futures Markets
A futures contract is an agreement to buy or sell a commodity, such as natural gas, and to deliver that item at a certain date in the future. Every aspect of a futures contract traded on the NYMEX. . . is standardized except for the price. . . Options contracts are contracts which give the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a specified quantity of futures contracts at a predetermined price on or before a given date, regardless of the market price at the time the option is exercised. In re Crude Oil Commodity Litig., 2007 WL 1946553, *1-2, 2007 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 47902, *3-4 (S.D.N.Y.2007). Besides futures, some traders enter into swaps. A swap is similar to a futures contract, although all swaps are financially settled . . . Swaps can be structured to feature economics similar to commodities futures . . . Swaps can be traded on the Intercontinental Exchange ("ICE"), which unlike NYMEX is not regulated by the CFTC. Extensive arbitrage generally keeps the prices of ICE swaps and the corresponding NYMEX futures in lockstep. In re Amaranth Natural Gas Commodities Litig., 587 F.Supp.2d 513, 522-523 (S.D.N.Y.2008). Commodities contracts traded OTC are often based on NMEX prices. In re Crude Oil Commodity Litig., 2007 WL 1946553 at *1-2, 2007 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 47902 at *4.
The CFTC alleges that each defendant violated Section 4c(b) of the CEA and Commission Regulation 33.10(a), (b) and (c). Cassidy is accused of participating in the three distinct fabricated quote practices, and failing to disclose Lee's and his own fraudulent conduct. The CFTC alleges that defendant O'Connor participated in the broker bid/offer quotes practice and failed to disclose Lee's and his own fraudulent conduct. The CFTC further alleges that Cassidy, O'Connor and two unnamed Optionable employees received Lee's broker bid/offer quotes, transmitted them in false reports to BMO, and failed to disclose Lee's, as well as their own, conduct. Optionable is not charged with participating in Lee's mis-valuation of his natural gas positions. They are charged with deceiving BMO about the independent nature of the quotes provided at mid-month and end of the month. (CFTC Opp. P. 1.)
The motions to dismiss the CFTC Complaint present two primary arguments; (1) Section 4c(b) applies only to an "offer to enter into," "ent[ry] into" or a "confirm[ation of] the execution of a transaction in violation of a CFTC Regulation; and (2) the CFTC Complaint impermissibly seeks to expand the reach of Section 4c(b) by employing Commission Rule 33.10, 17 C.F.R § 33.10. Defendants also argue that the CFTC's claims fail under
Defendants argue that because they did not offer, enter into or confirm any trade, but are rather alleged to have assisted Lee in a collateral effort to mis-value options already owned by BMO, that they have not violated the CEA or any Regulation promulgated thereunder. They claim that the CFTC wrongfully seeks to apply the "in connection with" language of Rule 33.10 to the alleged quid pro quo scheme in which Optionable received increased orders in exchange for assisting Lee in mis-valuing his "book".
While there exists only limited case law regarding the application of Section 4c(b) in conjunction with Rule 33.10 in this context, the CFTC's suggested use is not unprecedented. In CFTC v. First Am. Inv. Servs., an introducing broker ("IB") stipulated that it was liable under Section 4c(b) and Rule 33.10. 2006 WL 2054078, 2006 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 53669 (S.D.Fla. 2006) (an IB is "any person . . . engaged in soliciting or in accepting orders for the purchase or sale of any commodity for future delivery on or subject to the rules of any contract market . . . who does not accept any money, securities, or property." Section la(23) of the Act, 7 U.S.C. § 1a(23)). Similarly, in CFTC v. Carnegie Trading Group, Ltd., employees of an IB were held liable for fraudulent solicitations under both Sections 4b(a)(2)(i) and (iii) and 4c(b) of the CEA and Regulation 33.10, where their customers accounts were held by a related corporation. 450 F.Supp.2d 788, 801 (N.D.Ohio 2006). Furthermore, the United States Supreme Court has recently provided a more expansive interpretation of the "in connection with" requirement in the context of class actions. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc. v. Dabit, 547 U.S. 71, 89, 126 S.Ct. 1503, 164 L.Ed.2d 179 (U.S.2006) (fraudulent manipulation of stock pricesunquestionably qualifies as fraud "in connection with the purchase or sale" of securities in a suit brought by "holders" of a stock under SLUSA). See also Korsinsky v. Salomon Smith Barney Inc., 2002 WL 27775 at *4, 2002 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 259 at *10 (S.D.N.Y.2002) (holding that positive recommendations made by a research analyst with knowledge of a company's financial problems in order to boost Salomon's investment banking business was "in connection with" the purchase or sale of securities).
The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has "broadly construed the phrase `in connection with,' holding that Congress, in using the phrase `intended only that the device employed, whatever it might be, be of a sort that would cause reasonable investors to rely thereon, and, in connection therewith, so relying, cause them to purchase or sell a corporation's securities.'" In re Carter-Wallace, Inc. Secs. Litig., 150 F.3d 153, 156 (2d Cir.1998) (quoting SEC v. Texas Gulf Sulphur Co., 401 F.2d 833, 860 (2d Cir.1968) (en banc)). Generally, the requisite connection exists "when the fraud alleged is that the plaintiff bought or sold a security in reliance on misrepresentations as to its value." In re Ames Dep't Stores Inc. Stock Litig., 991 F.2d 953, 966 (2d Cir.1993). Those cases that have dismissed for failure to satisfy the "in connection with" requirement typically do so where "the alleged misrepresentations made by defendants were not `in connection with' the purchase or sale of securities, because they did not pertain to the value, nature or investment characteristics of the securities at issue." Production Resource Group, LLC v. Stonebridge Ptns. Equity Fund, 6 F.Supp.2d 236, 240 (S.D.N.Y.1998). See also Saxe v. E.F.
In interpreting the "in connection with" requirement of the Commodities Exchange Act, courts generally look to interpretations of the "in connection with" requirement of 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act. Kearney v. Prudential-Bache Securities, Inc., 701 F.Supp. 416, 421 (S.D.N.Y.1988) (standard met where the "alleged fraud concern[s] the fundamental nature of the commodity futures contract"). "[C]ausation under federal securities laws is two-pronged: a plaintiff must allege both transaction causation, i.e., that but for the fraudulent statement or omission, the plaintiff would not have entered into the transaction; and loss causation, i.e., that the subject of the fraudulent statement or omission was the cause of the actual loss suffered." Suez Equity Investors v. Toronto-Dominion Bank, 250 F.3d 87, 95 (2d Cir.2001).
It appears that the defendants in the instant case are essentially arguing that the CFTC has failed to allege transaction causation. It is true that the CFTC does not point to any isolated transaction. Their theory is that, by participating in the fraudulent scheme, Lee was able to "enter into additional natural gas options positions." (CFTC Cplt. ¶ 36.) He also "entered into additional natural gas paired options trades" during the course of the alleged scheme. (Id. ¶ 39.) The CFTC explicitly argues that the fraudulent scheme was "in connection with" offers for and entry into certain option positions. Lee was allowed to continue entering into commodity trades on the NYMEX as a result of the brokers' bid/offers quotes. (Id. ¶ 46.) The CFTC claims that the brokers' (Optionable and an unnamed entity) actions "enabled Lee to continue to enter into natural gas options for several years," and that these transactions would not have occurred absent Optionable's forwarding of fraudulent bids and offers in connection with trades. (Id. ¶ 47). Section 4c(b) expressly prohibits any "offer to enter into . . . any transaction" that violates a "rule, regulation or order." The CFTC's allegations that Optionable was functioning as a broker when it submitted "offers" as opposed to valuations, are accepted as true, and therefore make dismissal inappropriate. Accordingly, the CFTC may rely on the "in connection with" language of Rule 33.10 in asserting its claims pursuant to Section 4c(b).
When applying Rule 9(b), the Second Circuit requires that a complaint alleging fraud must (1) specify the statements, oral or written, that the plaintiff contends were fraudulent, either as misrepresentations or containing fraudulent omissions; (2) identify the speaker or the writer; (3) state where, when and to whom the statements were made; and (4) explain why the statements were fraudulent. Fadem v. Ford Motor Co., 352 F.Supp.2d 501, 505 (S.D.N.Y.2005) citing Acito v. IMERA Group, Inc., 47 F.3d 47, 51 (2d Cir. 1995). In regards to claims alleging a scheme involving deceptive or manipulative acts, plaintiffs must specify what deceptive or manipulative acts were performed, which defendants performed them, when the acts were performed, and what effect the scheme had on investors in the securities at issue. In re Parmalat Sec. Litig., 376 F.Supp.2d 472 at 493 citing SEC v. U.S. Envtl., Inc., 82 F.Supp.2d 237, 240 (S.D.N.Y.2000). The CFTC proffers two ways that they satisfy the requirements of Rule 9(b); first, the valuations
The CFTC charges Cassidy, O'Connor and an unnamed Optionable Employee with deceit through the issuance of false reports and omission of material information. (CFTC Cplt. ¶¶ 55, 57, 62.) The CFTC alleges that Optionable and its employees were BMO's brokers and therefore owed BMO a fiduciary duty. See Kolbeck v. LIT Am., 923 F.Supp. 557, 572 (S.D.N.Y.1996) (A duty of care arises only when the broker does business with the plaintiff. Then, the duty of the broker is to attend to the plaintiff's business with due care). See also United States v. Dial, 757 F.2d 163, 168 (7th Cir.1985). Optionable's argument that Lee, as opposed to BMO, was their client is without merit, as he was an employee of BMO, the institution to which Optionable furnished the quotes and upon which those employees carrying out the IPV and VSV Processes relied.
The crux of the CFTC's claims is that had BMO been informed that Lee was the source of the bids and offers, BMO would not have utilized Optionable's services in carrying out the IPV and VSV Processes. As a result, Lee was permitted to enter into more trades and forward more business to Optionable. With regard to Optionable's intent, the Second Circuit permits plaintiffs to establish scienter in one of two ways: "(a) by alleging facts to show that defendants had both motive and opportunity to commit fraud, or (b) by alleging facts that constitute strong circumstantial evidence of conscious behavior or recklessness." Novak v. Kasaks, 216 F.3d 300, 307 (2d Cir.2000) (quoting Acito v. IMCERA Group, Inc., 47 F.3d 47, 51 (2d Cir.1995)). As alleged, Optionable knew that Lee was the source of the bids and offers, and it in turn portrayed them as independently derived quotes from the marketplace to BMO's "back office." Optionable knew BMO would find that fact to be important, and therefore material. That alleged conduct constitutes strong circumstantial evidence of conscious misbehavior or recklessness, and therefore meets the standard required by Rule 9(b).
Defendant O'Connor, in addition to joining Optionable's motion, argues that because BMO maintained a non-discretionary account with Optionable, no fiduciary duty can exist. He claims that no "investment decision" was affected, that the alleged misrepresentations were not material, and that the alleged deceit was not "in connection" with an options transaction. Defendant Cassidy argues that he did not possess the required scienter, that no fiduciary duty existed, and that the breach of the RealMarks agreement does not sound in fraud.
A non-discretionary relationship does not preclude the existence of a fiduciary duty. See United States v. Szur, 289 F.3d 200, 211 (2d Cir.2002). A material fact is one that "would affect a reasonable investor's judgment." TSC Indus. v. Northway, 426 U.S. 438, 445, 96 S.Ct. 2126, 48 L.Ed.2d 757 (U.S.1976). The source of the bids/offers can certainly qualify as material and enabled Lee to enter into additional options transactions. Lastly, the grid/bid offer quotes were simply the evolution of an ongoing fraudulent scheme and therefore not restricted to a breach of contract claim. For those reasons discussed above, and for substantially those articulated in the CFTC's opposition, the Court denies the separate motions to dismiss the complaint submitted by O'Connor and Cassidy.
The NYMEX action stems from the sale of $28.9 million worth of Optionable stock by the defendants to NYMEX in April of 2007, and the simultaneous issuance of a warrant for the purchase of additional stock.
Defendants move to dismiss under Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 9(b) and 12(b)(6) and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "PSLRA"), or in the alternative to strike certain allegations under Federal Rule of civil Procedure 12(f),
The Defendants alleges that NYMEX impermissibly relies on the allegations set forth in the related SEC and CFTC actions. They submit that ¶¶ 3-19, 16, 20-25, 32-40, 54, 55, 70-74 and 107 of the NYMEX Complaint should be struck as immaterial because they rely on government allegations, and that ¶¶ 14, 15, and 65 should be struck for expressly discussing the government's allegations that have not yet resulted in an adjudication on the merits, under Rule 12(f). Even if the aforementioned paragraphs are not struck, Optionable argues that they are insufficient to meet the standard set forth under the PSLRA and Rule 9(b), since they do not "state with particularity all facts upon which the belief is formed."
Optionable alleges that NYMEX has failed to allege the "unlawful scheme" with particularity under 9(b) as the Complaint fails to mention any instance in which Optionable represented that the quotes it provided were derived "independently." Optionable further alleges that the misrepresentation claims relating to its 2005 and 2006 Forms 10-K are misplaced, as are the claims for nondisclosure relating to defendant Cassidy's criminal record. The Defendants argue that Judge Kaplan rejected similar claims relating to Cassidy's record in In re Optionable Sec. Litig., 577 F.Supp.2d 681, 691-693 (S.D.N.Y. 2008). Fed.R.Civ.P. 12(f) permits the Court to "order stricken from any pleading any insufficient defense or any redundant, immaterial, impertinent, or scandalous matter." To prevail on a motion to strike, a party must demonstrate that "(1) no evidence in support of the allegations would be admissible; (2) that the allegations have no bearing on the issues in the case; and (3) that to permit the allegations to stand would result in prejudice to the movant." Roe v. City of N.Y., 151 F.Supp.2d 495, 510 (S.D.N.Y.2001).
In support of the 12(f) branch of their motion, defendants argue that if the government's complaint(s) did not result or has not yet resulted, in an adjudication on the merits that it cannot be cited by a plaintiff in their complaint. In re Merrill Lynch & Co., Research Reports Sec. Litig., 218 F.R.D. 76, 77-78 (S.D.N.Y.2003).
There is no absolute rule barring a private plaintiff from relying on government pleadings and proceedings in order to meet the Rule 9(b) and PSLRA thresholds. Fraternity Fund Ltd. v. Beacon
Defendants argue that general motives such as profiting from the sale of stock, do not meet the requirements of the PSLRA and 9(b). They claim that they could only expect to profit from the SWPA if it maintained its stock price for 18 months following the date of execution, and that the parties intended to partner with NYMEX and realize profits by engaging in future transactions. Defendants further argue that the fact that they sold their stock below market value does not give rise to an inference of scienter. See Novak v. Kasaks, 216 F.3d 300 at 308-09. Lastly, Defendants argue that, absent the existence of a fraudulent scheme and scienter, that a claim for aiding and abetting under Federal Rule 20(e) must fail. For substantially those reasons discussed in the BMO, SEC and CFTC sections above (i.e. concrete and personal benefits, conscious misbehavior or recklessness in perpetrating the "u-turn" scheme), the Court finds that NYMEX has plead the required degree of scienter, and does not dismiss its aiding and abetting claims.
O'Connor and Ridgecrest submit that the negligent misrepresentation claim against them is preempted by New York State's Martin Act, N.Y. G.B.L. §§ 352, et seq. NYMEX contends that the scope of the Martin Act is limited to misrepresentations concerning information specifically required by a regulation of the New York Attorney General of a provision of the Act. Kerusa Co. LLC v. W10Z/515 Real Estate Limited Partnership, 12 N.Y.3d 236, 246, 879 N.Y.S.2d 17, 906 N.E.2d 1049 (2009). The fact that the Attorney General could
Defendant Nordlicht argues that, because the actions upon which NYMEX relies do not name him as a defendant, NMEX has failed to state a claim against him. For substantially the same reasons, Nordlicht contends that NYMEX has not plead scienter as required under Rule 9(b) and the PSLRA, nor has it plead control person liability. The NYMEX Complaint asserts that as Optionable's Chairman, Nordlicht had direct oversight responsibility for the operations at Optionable. (Opp. Ex. H, Optionable's 2005 10-K at 10.) Furthermore, Nordlicht is alleged to have supported Cassidy and O'Connor's refusal to provide BMO with certain backup data (N.Y.MEX Cplt. ¶¶ 54-55.) Lastly, Nordlicht is alleged to have benefited in a personal and concrete way that an average shareholder could not, by selling stock pursuant to the SWPA.
The Court has carefully considered the additional arguments relating to the state law claims and finds that none warrants dismissal of those claims.
Defendants' motions to dismiss in each of the entitled actions are denied.
SO ORDERED.
CFTC Regulation 33.10, 17 CFR § 33.10 provides that:
