NEWS RELEASE: Belgian National Sentenced to Prison after Defrauding Investors in a $5M Ponzi Scheme

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A Belgian national in the United States operated a $5 million Ponzi scheme over the course of five years was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment. Kenny Dirk Van Der Spek, 36, who was living in South Jordan, Utah, pleaded guilty to securities fraud, wire fraud and money laundering in May 2025, after he defrauded approximately …

Investment Adviser Cybersecurity Update

By Adalynn Rich The threat of cybercrime against investors has grown significantly, and The Utah Division of Securities (“Division”) is dedicated to keeping Utah registered investment advisers informed on new cybersecurity concerns that have developed since the Division’s 2022 cybersecurity special examination.  The FBI’s Annual Internet Crime Report shows that investment-related cybersecurity crimes caused nearly $6.5 billion in investor losses …

Utah Division of Securities Modifies Fee Guidance for Investment Advisers

SALT LAKE CITY, UT—The Utah Department of Commerce’s Division of Securities announced a modification to its guidance for registered investment adviser (RIA) firms regarding reasonable hourly fees. Effective immediately, RIA firms may set hourly rates they deem reasonable based upon their experience and expertise, with the Division maintaining its statutory authority to seek sanctions against RIA firms that charge unreasonable …

Utah Division of Securities Urges Congress to Protect States’ Anti-Fraud Enforcement Jurisdiction While Bringing Clarity to the Crypto Markets

On July 17, 2025, the United States House of Representatives passed the Clarity Act,1 which seeks to implement a national registration and reporting regulatory scheme for the crypto and related markets. The United States Senate issued a discussion draft with similar aims on July 22, 2025.2 The Utah Division of Securities (“Division”) applauds Congress in taking the first long overdue …

NEWS RELEASE: Robert Cummings Appointed as New Director of the Utah Division of Securities

Salt Lake City, Utah—The Utah Department of Commerce has appointed Robert Cummings as the new Director of the Utah Division of Securities (Division). Cummings brings over 15 years of experience in civil and criminal litigation, along with a strong passion for public service, to his new role. He has tried several cases in the securities industry, including criminal securities fraud …

NEWS RELEASE: Alpha Influence Ringleader Admits to Defrauding Investors of Over $20M

Alpha investment scheme defrauded more than 500 victims in Utah and elsewhere SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A Utah businessman pleaded guilty today to securities fraud and money laundering after admitting he lied to investors and fraudulently sold investment contracts, which are securities, through his company Alpha Influence, LLC for “Alpha Automated Stores.” Jeremiah Joseph Evans “The Bull,” 29, of …

NEWS RELEASE: Utah Sales Agent Admits to Defrauding Clients of More than $4.9M

Defendant scammed approximately 130 investors in Utah SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A Utah County man pleaded guilty to securities fraud after admitting he lied to investors and fraudulently sold investment contracts, which are securities, without a license, to approximately 130 clients, through Utah company Alpha Influence, LLC. According to court documents and admissions made at the change of plea …

NEWS RELEASE: Park City Businessman Sentenced to 12 Months’ Imprisonment for $1.7M Wire Fraud Scheme

Defendant spent funds on his personal mortgage, vacations, swingers clubs, luxury items and more Salt Lake City, Utah – Timothy Andrew Nemeckay, 64, of Park City, Utah, was sentenced yesterday to 12 months’ and one day imprisonment, and 24 months supervised release. In September 2023, Nemeckay admitted to wire fraud, which involved misappropriating approximately $1.7 million from investors investing in …

Utah Department of Commerce Reduces Filing Fees for Businesses and Investment Professionals

Fee amounts to change for state-issued licenses and registrations from the Division of Securities and Division of Corporations and Commercial Code SALT LAKE CITY (June 14, 2022) – The Utah Department of Commerce announces a reduction in fees for certain business filings and investor industry licensing. Fee reductions amount to an estimated savings of $5.2 million dollars to business owners …