Enforcement Actions

The CFTC Division of Enforcement investigates and prosecutes alleged violations of the Commodity Exchange Act and Commission regulations. The CFTC takes enforcement actions against individuals and firms registered with the Commission, those who are engaged in commodity futures and option trading on designated domestic exchanges, and those who improperly market futures and options contracts.

View Dispositions
View Opinions and Adjudicatory Orders

Enforcement Advisory: Updated Advisory on Self Reporting and Full Cooperation

Enforcement Advisory: Cooperation Factors in Enforcement Division Sanction Recommendations for Individuals

Enforcement Advisory: Cooperation Factors in Enforcement Division Sanction Recommendations for Companies

Enforcement Advisory: Advisory on Self Reporting and Cooperation for CEA Violations Involving Foreign Corrupt Practices

See CFTC Press Release 7518-17 (January 19, 2017) and
Speech of James McDonald, Director of the Division of Enforcement Commodity Futures Trading Commission Regarding Perspectives on Enforcement: Self-Reporting and Cooperation at the CFTC (September 25, 2017)

Date ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS
Virginia-Based Forefront Investments Corp. and Richmond Couple Ordered to Pay $260,000 to Settle Undercapitalization Charges
U.S. District Court Orders George Heffernan, a/k/a George W. Marshall, to Pay $650,000 in Sanctions in Federal CFTC Action Involving Fraudulent Trading Commodity Advice and Services
Dubai-Based Aaristo Commodities and Futures DMCC Ordered to Pay $100,000 Penalty Related to Charges of Engaging in Illegal Trades
CFTC Sanctions Two NYMEX Brokers for Fraudulent Trade Practice Schemes in Joint Investigation with the NY County District Attorney’s Office
CFTC Charges Ex-felon Turned Business Man, Kenneth Branch, and His Company, Cocoon Trade Inc., with Fraud
Texas Resident Aden Rusfeldt and Rusfeldt Investments LLP to Pay More Than $3 Million in Penalties in Currency Fraud Case
CFTC Charges Texas Resident Rockland McMahan with Making False Reports of Feeder Cattle Sale Activity to the USDA
Energy Transfer Partners LP and Three of Its Subsidiaries to Pay a $10 Million Penalty to Settle CFTC Action Alleging Attempted Manipulation of Natural Gas Prices
BNP Paribas Commodity Futures, Ltd. of London to Pay a $25,000 Civil Monetary Penalty to Settle CFTC Charges of Large Trader Reporting Violations
Former Duke Energy Trader Michael Whitney to Pay a $55,000 Penalty in Natural Gas False Reporting Case