"Fictionalist" Sarao, this is not a superhero story, but a transaction involving 35 trillion US dollars.
In 2010, a trader caught the attention of investigators. His operation record was very unusual - more than 182,000 orders were canceled or modified, with a total amount of up to 35 trillion US dollars. Such a trading volume is simply staggering.
Evidence gradually pointed to a name: Sarao. He was only 30 years old and looked ordinary, but he was suspected of being directly related to the most notorious "flash crash" in global financial history. Shane Stevenson, an investigator from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), was unwilling to miss any details and was determined to uncover the truth.
Cleverness can backfire
Sarlo was once very proud, often boasting about his trading skills in emails. His words attracted the attention of regulatory authorities. Although he never admitted to using 'fake orders', investigators discovered many clues in his correspondence. Things began to clarify bit by bit.
A complex investigation
Despite uncovering some key evidence, authorities still face a dilemma: how to prove that Sarlo's trading activities directly led to the 'flash crash'? This market turmoil has global implications; can the actions of just one person really cause such consequences?
From wealthy to bankrupt
Sarlo's manipulation techniques indeed brought him immense wealth; he once accumulated 70 million dollars. However, the good times didn't last long. Some so-called 'partners' lured him with 'tax-free investments', claiming they could help him avoid taxes and increase his wealth. He plunged into these scams and ended up being completely deceived. From Ponzi schemes to cryptocurrency fraud, his money quickly vanished without a trace, ultimately leading to his bankruptcy.
The twists and turns of the confession
Faced with bankruptcy and charges, Sarlo finally chose to bow his head and confess. He admitted to the charges of 'telecom fraud' and 'fake orders', and agreed to cooperate with the FBI's investigation. In exchange, he became an informant, helping law enforcement uncover more insider market manipulation. Sarlo even demonstrated his techniques in practice, allowing investigators to better understand his manipulation patterns.
The controversy continues
After the case was exposed, public opinion split into two factions:
Some people believe that Sarlo is merely a scapegoat pushed forward by large financial institutions. They believe that there are more and greater forces manipulating the 'flash crash' behind the scenes.
Another group firmly believes that Sarlo is a top trader, whose skill and courage are enough to shake the entire market.
Regardless of the truth, this young man, who once controlled hundreds of billions of dollars in trades, is now forced to become an informant.
In the end, will you believe the answer given to this major financial case?