The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Department of Justice (DoJ) have charged Andrew Left and his firm Citron Capital with securities fraud, alleging a multi-year scheme that misled investors and resulted in $20 million in illegal profits. Left allegedly used social media and his Citron Research website to promote stock trades that he later reversed, profiting from the resultant price movements. The SEC's complaint details at least 26 instances where Left recommended positions in 23 companies, misleading investors into believing his trades aligned with his firm's actions. If convicted on all counts, Left could face a significant prison sentence, including 25 years. The SEC described Left's tactics as a betrayal of trust, emphasizing the seriousness of his alleged bait-and-switch schemes. The case highlights ongoing concerns about market manipulation in the context of social media influence on stock trading.