In a stunning turn of events, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged the accounting firm responsible for auditing Trump Media & Technology Group with “massive fraud.” The firm, BF Borgers, allegedly engaged in “deliberate and systemic failures” to comply with U.S. audit standards while working on audits and reviews for public companies. Here are the key details:
The Allegations:
- BF Borgers, based in Lakewood, Colorado, reportedly skirted accounting standards for over two years during its work on public company audits and reviews.
- More than 350 clients relied on BF Borgers during this period, but the firm failed to follow standards set by the top U.S. audit watchdog in at least 75% of those filings.
- The SEC alleges that BF Borgers misled its clients by falsely claiming compliance with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board’s standards and even falsified documents to create this appearance.
The Consequences:
- BF Borgers and its owner, Benjamin Borgers, have agreed to pay a combined $14 million to settle the SEC charges.
- Both the firm and Benjamin Borgers have been permanently suspended from practicing before the SEC as accountants.
- SEC Enforcement Director Gurbir Grewal emphasized that this case represents one of the largest wholesale failures by gatekeepers in our financial markets and undermines trust in our markets.
Trump Media’s Response:
- Trump Media, whose stock is traded on NASDAQ under the symbol DJT, expressed its intention to work with new auditing partners following the SEC order.
- BF Borgers had been Trump Media’s auditor since 2022, according to company filings.
Market Impact:
- The news of the SEC charges caused DJT stock to tumble, reflecting investor concerns about the integrity of the auditing process and the potential impact on Trump Media’s financials.
- Investors and markets alike are closely watching how this situation unfolds, given the significance of Trump Media in the media and technology landscape.
In summary, the SEC’s allegations against BF Borgers highlight the critical role auditors play in maintaining market trust and transparency. The fallout from this case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous auditing practices and the consequences when those practices are compromised. Stay tuned for further developments as this story continues to unfold.
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