Is securities fraud a federal or state crime?

Securities fraud is a crime that is both a federal and state offense. Securities fraud is when someone defrauds or misleads investors, or manipulates the securities markets, through fraudulent activities. In the state of Washington, securities fraud falls under the Washington Securities Act, which is enforced by the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions. The Washington Securities Act prohibits any fraudulent activity that affects the purchase or sale of securities, including insider trading, false or misleading disclosure, and any kind of manipulation of the securities markets. At the federal level, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is responsible for enforcing securities fraud laws. The SEC regulates the activities of brokers, financial advisors, and other individuals and entities that do business in the securities markets. The SEC has broad powers to investigate and bring civil or criminal charges against anyone who has violated federal securities laws. In Washington, anyone found guilty of securities fraud may face both civil and criminal penalties. Under the Washington Securities Act, a person who is convicted of securities fraud may face up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $500,000. In addition, civil penalties may be imposed by the SEC or Washington State Department of Financial Institutions. To summarize, securities fraud is a crime that is both a federal and state offense. In Washington, it is regulated by the Washington Securities Act and enforced by the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions and the SEC. Those found guilty of securities fraud may face both civil and criminal penalties, including up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $500,000.

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Is securities fraud a federal or state crime?

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