SEC v. Debo
DOCKET · 1:20-cv-00006 · FILED · JAN 2, 2020
Violations Charged
Antifraud and registration provisions
Case Overview
Ulrik Debo, a Danish citizen living in Monaco, led a group that quietly purchased Herbatech Life (EVTP), a dormant microcap shell, in 2019. He installed an acquaintance as the nominal CEO and majority shareholder, retained an attorney to bring the dormant shell current, and hired a marketer for a promotional campaign, all while concealing that he actually controlled the company.
Under Debo's control, EVTP filed a quarterly report that omitted his role, rendering it materially misleading. The SEC filed its complaint on January 2, 2020, coordinated with the related Ciapala and Bajic actions, before the planned promotion ever ran. Manhattan federal prosecutors announced parallel criminal charges the same day.
Joe's Role
The SEC's litigation release names Joe among the staff who conducted the investigation.
Outcome
Debo was arrested in the United Kingdom, with extradition sought, while the SEC's civil case proceeded in coordination with the related actions. No promotional campaign for EVTP ran after the filing.
ISSUERS · Herbatech Life, Inc. (EVTP)