The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed a complaint against an individual accused of defrauding investors by posing as a professional money manager. The SEC, on December 5, 2025, lodged the complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York against Shahin Ahmed.
According to the complaint, between March 2020 and February 2022, Shahin Ahmed misled investors into believing he was a seasoned investment professional. Despite being employed merely as a driver at a registered investment advisory firm known as Investment Adviser A, Ahmed falsely claimed to have significant experience in managing investments. He deceitfully convinced at least one investor to deposit funds into Honest Partners LLC, an entity he established with a name similar to that of his employer's firm. Furthermore, Ahmed fraudulently obtained control over the online brokerage accounts of this investor and two others—a married couple—by promising guaranteed returns and reimbursement for any trading losses.
The SEC alleges that Ahmed's actions resulted in substantial financial harm to his victims, who collectively suffered over $1 million in losses due to his fraudulent schemes. Ahmed is accused of violating several federal securities laws, including Section 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Additionally, he is charged with breaching Sections 206(1) and 206(2) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
In its pursuit of justice, the SEC seeks a final judgment that would permanently enjoin Ahmed from further violations of federal securities laws. The commission also demands that Ahmed disgorge all ill-gotten gains acquired through his fraudulent activities and pay civil monetary penalties. Moreover, they request that Ahmed be prohibited from participating in any capacity within the securities industry or acting as an investment adviser.
Representing the plaintiff in this case are attorneys Thomas P. Smith Jr., Adam S. Grace, Brenda Chang, and Ben Kuruvilla from the SEC's New York Regional Office. The case is presided over by judges from the Eastern District Court under Case ID: 25 Civ. 6730.
Source: 125cv06730_Securities_and_Exchange_Commission_v_Ahmed_Complaint_Eastern_District_New_York.pdf