BRASILIA (Reuters) -Brazil’s securities regulator CVM accused eight former executives of retailer Americanas of insider buying and selling involving the corporate’s securities forward of the disclosure of a high-profile accounting scandal in 2023.
In a press release late on Friday, the CVM mentioned that after concluding an administrative inquiry, it gathered “strong, compelling, and convergent components” to help the accusations in opposition to former CEO Miguel Gutierrez and 7 different former executives, together with Jose Timotheo de Barros and Anna Christina Saicali.
Americanas mentioned the findings from investigations carried out by its impartial committee and authorities present it was the sufferer of a “advanced accounting fraud” orchestrated by its former executives, together with misuse of privileged info.
The corporate mentioned it has robust curiosity in clarifying the information and guaranteeing all these accountable are held legally accountable.
Gutierrez’s protection mentioned accusations are based mostly on unproven assumptions, including the share sale carried out by the manager “was performed with integrity and absolutely in accordance with present laws.”
Barros’ lawyer mentioned he had nothing to say, including that the protection of his consumer can be made “by proving innocence with goal knowledge.”
A consultant for Saicali mentioned she wouldn’t touch upon the matter.
The accounting fraud case at Americanas rattled Brazilian markets final yr, elevating considerations about regulatory oversight and the efficient punishment of any misconduct.
The retailer, backed by three billionaires who based funding agency 3G Capital, filed for chapter safety after discovering $4 billion in accounting discrepancies.