On 26 November 2025, UK FCA charged two individuals with insider dealing related to potential takeover news.
- The FCA started criminal proceedings against Bobosher Sharipov and Bekzod Avazov for insider dealing, Sharipov worked at investment bank Jefferies International Limited.
Overview
- Advised GCP Student Living Plc (GCP) on potential takeover, charged with leaking inside information about takeover to close friend and business association Avavoz.
- Latter alleged to have used that confidential inside information to trade in GCP shares and spread bets to make a profit of almost £70,000, alleged offending was in 2021.
- UK FCA's specialist market monitoring systems identified Avazov's trades as suspicious because of their timing and the profit made; regulator's analysis of public records showed Sharipov and Avazov were former colleagues and flatmates.
- Case was formally sent to Southward Crown Court, neither defendant indicated a plea.
- Jefferies International Limited has cooperated fully with UK FCA's investigation.
