Two more companies that recently announced technology deals with UTEK Corp. have been identified as vehicles for securities fraud, this time in a federal criminal case in New Jersey.
The case involves a stock manipulation scheme that began in the 1990s and cost investors more than $15 million. Eight defendants have pleaded guilty and a ninth was found guilty by a jury.
A plea agreement signed by one of the defendants says that prosecutors would not initiate further charges regarding his admitted participation in securities and wire frauds involving the shares of some 30 additional companies.
The companies include Avalon Oil and Gas Inc., which last month completed its third technology transfer with UTEK, and ChampionLyte Holdings Inc., now called Cargo Connection Logistics Holdings Inc. It did a technology deal with UTEK in December.
The court filing did not allege any wrongdoing by Avalon (OTCBB: AOGN) or Cargo Connection (OTCBB: CRGO).
But Sharesleuth.com found the document in the course of its own investigation into Avalon, Cargo Connection and other companies with ties to a common network of executives, directors, consultants and promoters.
A closer look at that network revealed at least three people who did prison time in connection with previous fraud schemes and three others who either settled civil fraud charges with the Securities and Exchange Commission or were found guilty by a jury.
The network also included several more people who previously were suspended or barred by the National Association of Securities Dealers for violating brokerage industry rules.
Companies linked to the network have done numerous deals with Cornell Capital Partners LP, one of the top hedge funds providing PIPE (Private Investment in Public Equity) financing to penny stock companies.
