The indictment alleges that on April 15, 2025, the defendants sold millions of shares to co-conspirators at a heavily discounted price, then began to artificially inflate the price and trading volume of the stock. Then they sold the stocks at a higher price, netting them millions.
According to the press release, on June 26th, OST lost a staggering $950 million in market valuation, or 94% of its value.
As stated by U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia,
“Protecting the integrity of our financial markets remains a top priority. Anyone who picks the pockets of American investors in violation of the law will be aggressively prosecuted.
The Department of Justice has established whistleblower programs to encourage corporations and individuals to come forward with timely information regarding misconduct and criminal behavior. Failing to do so invites serious consequences.”
The duo faces charges of wire fraud, securities fraud, and conspiracy to commit both. If convicted, they face decades behind bars.