So I work for a somewhat large company. This company was bought by another entity in hopes of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flipping it.

At the moment the company is breaking various laws as part of its daily operations as to increase the company value, in order to sell it.

I have been thinking about this situation for a while because they are breaking laws to raise the value of the company to sell it to some svcker. It is clear that the management in the company is aware they are breaking laws and that they are covering it up as much as possible wherever things start to fall apart to raise concerns to government and regulatory agencies, and I have evidence. Of course I play dumb, like all the other employees who work for the company, so I do not think they know I am thinking about saying something about it.

Should I say something about this? I was thinking about contacting the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to warn them of what is going on and that the parent company trying to flip this satellite company is breaking local and international laws in order to inflate the asking price for selling the company. I have evidence and can put together pieces that may not make clear sense without context. The evidence is there and it cannot be hidden, just someone needs to make the situation aware so someone does not purchase the company under falsified information. I'm pretty sure it is illegal to do this, it would only make sense.

What pisses me off is that it could be some teachers pension plan that buys the company thinking its a safe investment when really its not.

So, should I say something about this to the proper government and regulatory agencies?

If laws are being broken and you have proof of this -or enough knowledge to point them in the right direction- go to the relevant authorities.

That said, I'm not sure a gaming forum is maybe the best place for advice like this.

I'm not looking for advice, I'm looking for opinions, just to see what gamers have to say.

I could go to management, but that would be ineffective, I could go to some juniors of government and regulatory agencies but then it could possibly give the parent company or management of the company a good chance to clean up their act.

What I would like to know, is the Securities and Exchange Commission is the right agency to give the information to if the parent company is trying to sell the company/get ahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Initial_public_offering?

Better question is why wouldn't you?

I'm thinking it could ruin opportunities for me because the information that I brought it up would be made public as I could not expect anyone else to talk about it and piece together the pieces or even testify.

Someone may not want to hire me knowing that I am keeping an eye on them.

You could try and secure another job first, then come forth with it.

Even then, that company or management for that company may try and deny me opportunities because, well, in private industry laws are regularly broken, not all private companies do this but in general its just part of the business. It will be on record that my morals always have the potential to conflict with unethical business practices.

I think I would be seen as a trouble maker.

Don't get me wrong, I'm pretty sure I'm going to go through with it, I'm gonna send letters to all the regulatory agencies in countries the company operates in, I'm just trying to think of a way good way to go about it, but maybe there is none.

I would only do it anonymously, taking care to ensure that there is zero chance of being identified as the source.

Yes, definitely. Frankly, although it's only right to consider the potential ramifications of this, it is the right thing to do. The only way to stop these folks is to expose them. if i were in your position, I'm pretty sure I'd report them, because if i didn't, I'd regret it for the rest of my life.

If you do have good proof, you should do it anonymously. You could even go the large newspaper route like talking to the Wall Street Journal or New York Times as well as the SEC. You should probably lawyer up first and get some good legal advice before you proceed. Protecting yourself is definitely first and foremost on your to do list.

I am not sure about in the states, but up here in Canada, if you have knowledge of a crime, but you decide not to contact the authorities, we have a law meaning you are just as guilty as they are, and as a result can be charged with the same crimes, and potentially be given the same sentence...

and since you are afraid of it ruining future job aspects, simply report it anonymously. fax the evidence information from a public fax machine. or put it all together in a PDF file, make a dummy e-mail and send it from an Internet Cafe, or send it through an internet Proxy located in another country.

I'm not a lawyer; I'm not remotely experienced or gifted in anything. The only thing i'll do is warn you that any and all evidence can be contested in a court of law if this matter is brought before a judge, which it can be done and you could receive a lawsuit against you for slander if the other party wins.

These are my opinions, again saying I am not experienced or qualified to give "expert" advice to a person.

1. Corroborate your story with other employees to get multiple points of view. A single person's testimony can be viewed with trepidation and scrutiny, but multiple PoV's are hard to contest.

2. Gather information that can be hard to contest in a court of law, and then provide that information. Altering photographs is relatively simple now because of programs like gimp, but it's a little harder with video evidence.

3. Contact not just the Security Exchange Commission, but the BBB. Also, if they are violating safety/work ethic standards, contact Ocea in regards to any of these problems.

Imho, slap these people down, HARD and make them feel the pain with a supreme sting to the wallet.

Being a whistleblower is always difficult, pretty much in most cases it doesnt turn out well, i know ive done it on many occasions, the positive thing that i get out of it is that, its stopping bad people breaking the law, it may not come out in a positive way for me, but if everybody sits back and lets more and more people get away with doing the wrong thing, then it will jusy happen more often and then they think they are untouchable. The laws are there for a reason, if you know, that this company is breaking the law, then report it to the appropriate authority, which if im correct is the Securities and Exchange Commission in the U.S., dont report it to the company because more than likely they know and will more than likely try to discredit you and cover it up, if the Securities and Exchange Commission, thinks you evidence is valid it may take the case further and prosicute the company.

Is the company large enough for this to make the news?

News outlets are hit or miss. As long as the information is public, that's all I care about. I'm thinking going to the SEC with it will make the information known to people who are interested in buying this company know whats going on before they buy it.

I just want to make sure that when the owners of the company try to sell it that any potential buyers have the information to consider along with their potential investment.

I'm guessing going with the SEC will make the information public for any potential buyers? Same with BBB?

Yep.

As far as how the facts and story would be reported, that is unknown.

[censored] do it then dude, if I hear in the news that a company got busted for this I'll know you're legit.

oops

Um, I think you posted this in the wrong thread.

It actually sounds like something intended for the thread I made a few days ago. Oddly enough I happened to be the one to find it.

/conspiracy!

Is wealth more important to you than ethics?

I can't say anything either way because I have no dealings with the SEC. They "might" inform people about the company's misgivings. However, I see no 100% assurance that can and will happen. The Better Business Bureau is a double whammy where they deal with customer satifaction, but they may also deal with employee problems/complaints. Ocea on the other hand, they deal specifically with employee problems and could investigate if "corners" are being cut.

Make sure you have hard proof before saying anything.

Pointless.

If the SEC can't see something wrong with current laws allowing for the phrase "Too Big Too Fail", then this is obviously business on a daily basis.

Anyone who is buying the business should be doing their research before purchase, and discrepancies usually tend to show themselves quickly, especially when capital is raised at rates too fast after a buyout.

I would, however, keep copies of the transactions you know are illegal.

Things have a way of making innocent bystanders scapegoats, and if anyone questions you why you didn't say anything, just say "Too big to fail."

Or someone might want to hire you due to your being ethical.

Copy everything, research your whistleblower laws, check your rainy day fund, make sure that what they are doing is illegal - then report. I know nothing of how the SEC works, but I'd make it as easy for ttem as possible - they have limited resources.

If you are certain they are breaking the law then you should do it, first I would research your states whistleblower laws...

Crap yeah, it was meant for yours
Hate phone
Apologies OP - to you I say yes definitely report.