Massive Insider Trading Case Underway

Investigators may be focusing on "expert networks" to determine if they pass along insider information to traders and investors.

Preet Bharara, US Attorney, Southern District of New York, says "Insider trading is rampant and may be on the rise." Apparently, part of the investigation is focusing on expert networks -- groups that may have access to inside information -- that traders use to help make their next trading decision. MSNBC is reporting that dozens of firms are under investigation. Is this a case of the Justice Department looking to expand the definition of insider trading? Or have any of the firms actually crossed the line?

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Greg MacSweeney is editorial director of InformationWeek Financial Services, whose brands include Wall Street & Technology, Bank Systems & Technology, Advanced Trading, and Insurance & Technology. View Full Bio