Division of Securities logo.

Utah Man Sentenced to 100 Months in Prison for Multi-Million Dollar Securities Fraud Scheme

The District of Utah’s U.S. District Court sentenced Thomas Paul Madden of Washington City to 100 months in prison for his role in defrauding more than 200 investors of over $23 million. The Utah Division of Securities (“Division”) investigated Madden and his partner, Jeremy Grabow, for allegedly defrauding victims nationwide, including those in California, Colorado, Nevada, and North Dakota. Grabow …

Joseph Gordon-Levitt is announced as a speaker at the 2025 Utah AI Summit.

NEWS RELEASE: Acclaimed Actor, Filmmaker, and Entrepreneur Joseph Gordon-Levitt Joins 2025 Utah AI Summit as Featured Speaker

The founder of HITRECORD will discuss balancing innovation with fundamental safety standards, particularly concerning children SALT LAKE CITY, UT—The2025 Utah AI Summit (Summit), Utah’s Pro-Human Leadership in the Age of AI, is excited to announce that Emmy-winning and Golden Globe-nominated American actor, filmmaker, and entrepreneur Joseph Gordon-Levitt has joined the lineup of featured speakers. Mr. Gordon-Levitt will speak on December 2 at the Salt Palace in …

National penny shortage.

National Penny Shortage: The Business Guide to Cash Rounding

The Utah Division of Consumer Protection acknowledges the challenges businesses may be facing due to the current penny shortage. In consultation with the Utah State Tax Commission and Department of Government Operations, we’ve issued clear guidance to help you navigate this issue seamlessly and in compliance with state law. Essential Guidance on Cash Rounding Cash rounding is a temporary solution …

Image of Contractor pointing at official document with homeowner

NEWS RELEASE: Utah Issues $38k in Fines Against Contractors During National Enforcement Effort

The Utah Department of Commerce’s Division of Professional Licensing joins a nationwide enforcement effort to combat contractor licensing violations in Utah. Salt Lake City, Utah – The Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) announced the conclusion of a significant enforcement initiative across the State, targeting violations of construction licensing laws as part of a national campaign. This effort resulted in …

Division of Securities logo.

NEWS RELEASE: Utah Division of Securities and CFTC Secure Final Judgment Against Precious Metals Firm that Defrauded Elderly Adults

The final judgment against Safeguard Metals LLC and Jeffrey Ikahn orders restitution and a civil monetary penalty; underscores commitment to protect seniors from investment fraud Salt Lake City—Utah’s Department of Commerce’s Division of Securities (Division), represented by the Office of the Utah Attorney General (OAG), today announced that the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California recently entered a …

Join us for the 2025 Utah AI Summit.

NEWS RELEASE: Utah Announces 2025 Utah AI Summit: Utah’s Pro-Human Leadership in the Age of AI

Engage with visionaries and industry leaders in groundbreaking conversations about how Utah is leading the way in the age of AI.  SALT LAKE CITY, UT – Utah will elevate its role in the AI landscape by hosting its 2025 AI Summit, “Utah’s Pro-Human Leadership in the Age of AI,” on Dec. 1-2, 2025, at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake …

Image of several COVID-19 vaccine vials, one tipped over with a needle pressed into it.

Utah Pharmacists Authorized to Administer COVID-19 Vaccines Without Prescription

Updated Guidance from DOPL Aligns with ACIP Recommendations Amid Ongoing CDC Review of Vaccine Administration Policies Salt Lake City—The Utah Department of Commerce’s Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) has issued an important guidance letter to pharmacists, clarifying the administration of COVID-19 vaccines in accordance with recent recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Currently, individuals aged six months …

Utah and the FTC act to stop a deceptive charity fundraising scheme.

NEWS RELEASE: Utah and the FTC Act to Stop a Deceptive Cancer Charity Fundraising Scheme

Kars-R-Us.com and its operators raised millions, but only a fraction of donations went to fund breast cancer screenings, the FTC and Utah allege Salt Lake City—Utah and the Federal Trade Commission filed an agreement in federal court today with Kars-R-Us.com and its operators, who are accused of having devised a national charity fraud scheme with more than $45.5 million in …

Belgian National sentenced to prison after defrauding investors in a $5 million ponzi scheme.

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 …