David McNay

A securities broker with a long history of complaints for dishonesty from regulators, customers and former employees in the United States has moved his operations to the Cayman Islands, leaving behind substantial unpaid corporate and personal debt. Rani Tarek Jarkas, 38, closed down Delaware-domiciled, San Francisco-based Global Crown Capital LLC last year after nearly eight years in business and moved to Grand Cayman, where he now operates GC Research Ltd. and Cedrus Investments Ltd., which were formed in Cayman on October 31, 2008 and January 30, 2009, respectively.

For the second time in 57 days, a British Columbia Securities Commission panel has ruled not to ban offshore investment firm Lines Overseas Management from the local market. In a decision on March 4, 2005, the panel determined that, although it was still concerned about LOM's activities, its staff had not met their burden of providing sufficient evidence to justify an order prohibiting LOM, affiliated firms and its senior officers from trading on behalf of undisclosed beneficial owners. However, the panel left open a window of opportunity for its staff by concluding that: "If the Executive Director wishes to pursue the matter, the necessary evidence should be gathered and a notice of hearing issued."

The British Columbia Securities Commission yesterday dismissed an application for cease trade orders and other sanctions against offshore investment firm Lines Overseas Management Ltd. and its senior officers. However, it was a hollow victory for the respondents since the Commission panel immediately ordered a new hearing to determine whether to ban LOM from the local market for different reasons.

An investigation into suspected stock manipulation has been stymied by the non-co-operation of offshore broker Lines Overseas Management, it has been claimed.The allegation was made at a hearing in November before the British Columbia Securities Commission to consider banning the following parties from the local market: LOM (Holdings) Limited, LOM Securities (Bahamas) Limited, LOM Securities (Bermuda) Limited, LOM Securities (Cayman) Limited, Lines Overseas Management Limited, and LOM officers Donald P. Lines, Chairman and a former CEO of the Bank of Bermuda; Brian N. Lines, President and a Director; Scott G. S. Lines, LOM's Managing Director; Malcolm Moseley, LOM's CFO, Executive Vice President, and a Director; David McNay, Vice President of Investment Operations; and J. Scott Hill, Compliance Manager, all of whom reside in Bermuda.

Shares of the parent company of Bermuda-based stockbroker Lines Overseas Management were listed for the first time on the Bermuda Stock Exchange on July 24.A statement that the shares had been approved for listing was made on July 20 without any prior public announcement that an application had been submitted.

Information Memorandum for LOM (Holdings) Limited, filed with the Bermuda Stock Exchange.