Associates LP ("Rabinovich & Associates"), Alex Rabinovich ("Rabinovich") and Joseph
Alex Rabinovich and Joseph Lovaglio, through their unregistered firm Rabinovich & Associates LP, defrauded at least 23 investors—many elderly—out of $550,000 by fabricating Wall Street credentials, falsifying account statements, and concealing Rabinovich’s NASD bar and Lovaglio’s pending FINRA proceedings, leading the SEC to charge them with multiple securities law violations and seek disgorgement, penalties, and injunctive relief.
The SEC alleges that Rabinovich & Associates LP, managed by Alex Rabinovich and operated by Joseph Lovaglio, ran a boiler room scheme from Brooklyn, raising at least $550,000 from 23 investors through false claims of high returns, fake affiliations with Wall Street and regulatory bodies like NASD and NYSE, and forged quarterly account statements. Rabinovich, barred by NASD since 2004, and Lovaglio, facing a pending FINRA bar, concealed these disciplinary actions while operating as unregistered broker-dealers and an unregistered investment company, violating Sections 5(a), 5(c), 17(a) of the Securities Act, 10(b) and 15(a) of the Exchange Act, and Rule 10b-5. The SEC further charges Rabinovich with violating Section 206(4) and Rule 206(4)-8 of the Advisers Act, and Lovaglio with aiding and abetting those violations, seeking disgorgement, prejudgment interest, civil penalties, and permanent injunctions.
Alex Rabinovich and Joseph Lovaglio, through their unregistered firm Rabinovich & Associates LP, operated a fraudulent boiler room scheme from a Brooklyn storefront, cold-calling at least 23 investors—many of them senior citizens and retirees—to sell sham limited partnership interests in a fund that had actually lost most of its capital. Defendants falsely claimed the firm was a Wall Street entity affiliated with NASD, NYSE, and SIPC, and provided investors with fabricated quarterly statements showing large gains and dividends, despite the fund’s dismal performance and lack of legitimate trading activity. Rabinovich had been barred by NASD since 2004, and Lovaglio was facing a pending FINRA proceeding to bar him from the industry, both of which were deliberately concealed from investors. The defendants operated without registration as broker-dealers, investment advisers, or an investment company, violating multiple provisions of the Securities Act, Exchange Act, Advisers Act, and Investment Company Act, including Sections 5(a), 5(c), 17(a), 10(b), 15(a), and Rule 10b-5. The SEC also alleges Rabinovich violated Section 206(4) and Rule 206(4)-8 of the Advisers Act through deceptive practices, while Lovaglio aided and abetted those violations. The Commission seeks permanent injunctive relief, disgorgement of the $550,000 raised plus prejudgment interest, civil penalties, asset freezes, and court-ordered accountings to prevent further harm and ensure accountability.
Extracted insights
- $80.00B $ 80b ≥$1B
- $550K $550,000 $100K–$1M
- $165K $165,000 $100K–$1M
- $5K $5,000 <$10K
- $275 $ 275.206 <$10K
- $275 $275.206 <$10K
- organization Defendants
- person Defendants
- person fraudulent securities offering
- agency Securities and Exchange Commission
- organization Securities and Exchange Commission
- Securities and Exchange Commission filed complaint against Rabinovich & Associates LP, Alex Rabinovich, Joseph Lovaglio
- Alex Rabinovich conducted fraudulent securities offering
- Defendants are selling limited partnership interests in Rabinovich & Associates to investors
- Defendants obtain investments in the Fund by cold‑calling
- Defendants made fraudulent statements to investors
- Defendants failed to disclose that Rabinovich was barred by the NASD
- Defendants raised $550,000 from at least twenty‑three investors
- Defendants continue soliciting investments in the Fund
- Defendants are operating as unregistered broker‑dealers
- Rabinovich & Associates is operating as an unregistered investment company
- NASD and NYSE member regulation were consolidated creating FINRA
- Defendants have violated Sections 5(a), 5(c) and 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933
- Rabinovich has violated Section 206(4) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940
- Lovaglio has aided and abetted violations of Section 206(4) of the Advisers Act
- Rabinovich & Associates has violated Section 7(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940
- Defendants will continue engaging in transactions, acts, practices and courses of business alleged herein
Counsel of Record:
Mark
K. Schonfeld (MS-2798)
Attorneys for Plaintiff
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
New York Regional Office
3 World Financial Center, Suite
400
New York, NY 10281-1022
(212) 336-0145 (Paley)
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION,
Plaintiff,
against-COMPLAINT
RABINOVICH
& ASSOCIATES, LP,
ALEX RABINOVICH AND
JOSEPH LOVAGLIO,
Defendants.
Plaintiff Securities and Exchange Commission for its complaint against Rabinovich &
Associates LP ("Rabinovich & Associates"), Alex Rabinovich ("Rabinovich") and Joseph
Lovaglio ("Lovaglio") (collectively, "Defendants") alleges as follows:
SUMMARY
1.
This action arises out of an ongoing, fraudulent securities offering by Alex
Rabinovich, Rabinovich
& Associates, LP, an unregistered investment company and broker-
dealer managed by Rabinovich, and Joseph Lovaglio, a salesman and managing director at
Rabinovich
& Associates. Operating out of a storefront boiler room in Brooklyn, Defendants are
:
selling limited partnership interests in Rabinovich & Associates (sometimes referred to hereafter
as the "Fund" or the "firm") and other securities to investors, including senior citizens and
retirees.
2.
Defendants obtain investments in the Fund by cold-calling and have made, and are
continuing 'to make,
fraudulent statements to investors and prospective investors in the Fund,
including:
(1) false claims that the Fund has been extraordinarily profitable whereas the Fund's
actual performance has been dismal; and
(2) false representations that Rabinovich & Associates
is a Wall Street firm and a member of the NASD, the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"), and
the Securities Investor Protection Corporation ("SPC"). Defendants have also failed to disclose
to investors that Rabinovich has been barred by the NASD from associating with any broker or
dealer and that there is a pending action by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.
("FINRA") seeking to bar Lovaglio from associating with any broker or dealer.'
3. Defendants have raised at least $550,000 from at least twenty-three investors, and
have lost most of that money, even while providing investors with quarterly account statements
that reflect large gains and "dividends" in every period. Defendants are continuing to solicit
investments in the Fund and the purchase of other securities and are continuing to lull existing
Fund investors with false account statements.
4. In addition to defrauding Fund investors and prospective investors, Defendants are
unlawfully operating as unregistered broker-dealers and offering and selling securities in an
unregistered offering; and defendant Rabinovich
& Associates is unlawfully operating as an
unregistered investment company.
Effective July 30,2007, the NASD and NYSE member regulation, enforcement, and
arbitration operations have been consolidated, creating
FINRA.
1
5.
Through ths conduct, and that detailed below, Defendants have violated Sections
5(a), 5(c) and 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 ("Securities Act"), 15 U.S.C.
$8 77e(a), 77e(c)
and 77q(a), Sections 10(b) and 15(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act"),
15 U.S.C.
$8 78j(b) and 78o(a), and Rule lob-5 thereunder, 17 C.F.R. 8 240.10b-5; Rabinovich
has violated Section 206(4) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 ("Advisers Act"), 15 U.S.C.
8 80b-6(4), and Rule 206(4)-8, 17 C.F.R. 5 275.206(4)-8; ~ova~lio has aided and abetted
violations of Section 206(4) of the Advisers Act, 15 U.S.C.
tj 80b-6(4), and Rule 206(4)-8, 17
C.F.R.
8 275.206(4)-8; and Rabinovich & Associates has violated Section 7(a) of the Investment
Company Act of 1940 ("Investment Company Act"), 15 U.S.C.
8 80a-7(a).
6. Unless restrained and enjoined by the Court, Defendants will continue to engage
in the transactions, acts, practices and courses of business alleged herein, and in transactions,
acts, practices, and courses of business of a similar type and object.
7.
By this action, the Commission seeks: (a) permanent injunctive relief; (b)
disgorgement and prejudgment interest; (c) civil penalties; (d) emergency and preliminary relief
including (i) a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction, (ii) asset freezes, and (iii)
orders requiring Defendants to provide sworn accountings, permitting expedited discovery, and
prohibiting the destruction of documents; and (e) such further relief as the Court may deem
appropriate.
JURISDICTION AND VENUE
8.
The Commission brings this action pursuant to authority conferred by Section
20(b) of the Securities Act, 15 U.S.C.
8 77t(b), Section 2 1(d) of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. 6
78u(d), Section 209(d) of the Advisers Act, 15 U.S.C. 5 80b-9(d), and Section 42(d) of the
3
5.
Through this conduct, and that detailed below, Defendants have violated Sections
5(a), 5(c) and 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 ("Securities Act"), 15 U.S.C.
55 77e(a), 77e(c)
and 77q(a), Sections 10(b) and 15(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act"),
15 U.S.C.
$5 78j(b) and 78o(a), and Rule lob-5 thereunder, 17 C.F.R. 5 240.10b-5; Rabinovich
has violated Section 206(4) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 ("Advisers Act"), 15 U.S.C.
80b-6(4), and Rule 206(4)-8, 17 C.F.R.
5 275.206(4)-8; Lovaglio has aided and abetted
violations of Section 206(4) of the Advisers Act, 15 U.S.C.
5 80b-6(4), and Rule 206(4)-8, 17
C.F.R.
5 275.206(4)-8; and Rabinovich & Associates has violated Section 7(a) of the Investment
Company Act of 1940 ("Investment Company Act"), 15 U.S.C.
5 80a-7(a).
6. Unless restrained and enjoined by the Court, Defendants will continue to engage
in the transactions, acts, practices and courses of business alleged herein, and
in transactions,
acts, practices, and courses of business of a similar type and object.
7.
By th~s action, the Commission seeks: (a) permanent injunctive relief; (b)
disgorgement and prejudgment interest; (c) civil penalties; (d) emergency and preliminary relief
including (i) a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction, (ii) asset freezes, and (iii)
orders requiring Defendants to provide sworn accountings, permitting expedited discovery, and
prohibiting the destruction of documents; and (e) such fixther relief as the Court may deem
appropriate.
JURISDICTION
8.
The Commission brings this action pursuant to authority conferred by Section
20(b) of the Securities Act, 15 U.S.C.
5 77t(b), Section 21(d) of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. tj
78u(d), Section 209(d) of the Advisers Act, 15 U.S.C. 5 80b-9(d), and Section 42(d) of the
Investment Company Act, 15 U.S.C. 5 80a-41(d). This Court has jurisdiction over this action
pursuant to Section 22(a) of the Securities Act, 15 U.S.C.
5 77v(a), Sections 21(d), 21(e) and 27
of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C.
55 78u(d), 77u(e) and 78aa, Section 2 14 of the Advisers Act, 15
U.S.C.
5 80b-14, and Section 44 of the Investment Company Act, 15 U.S.C. 5 80a-43.
9. Venue lies in this district pursuant to Section 22(a) of the Securities Act, 15
U.S.C.
5 77v(a), and Section 27 of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. $78aa, Section 214 of the
Advisers Act, 15 U.S.C.
5 80b-14, and Section 44 of the Investment Company Act, 15 U.S.C. 5
80a-43. Certain of the transactions, acts, practices and courses of business constituting the
violations alleged herein occurred within the Southern District of New York.
10.
Defendants, directly or indirectly, singly or in concert, have made use of the
means or instrumentalities of transportation or communication in, or the instrumentalities of,
interstate commerce, or of the mails, in connection with the transactions, acts, practices, and
courses of business alleged in this complaint.
THEDEFENDANTS
1 1. Rabinovich & Associates, LP is a limited partnership, purportedly organized in
December 2002 and located at 14 Wall Street, New York, NY. Its offices are actually located in
an unmarked
storefront at 502 Gravesend Neck Road, Brooklyn, NY. It is not registered in any
capacity with the Commission, and is not a member of the NASD, the NYSE or SIPC.
According to its website, www.ra-lp.com, Rabinovich
& Associates is an "independent
investment company whose affiliates offer a broad array of financial products and services."
In
actuality, Rabinovich & Associates is an unregistered investment company and an unregistered
broker-dealer operating a boiler room.
12. Alex Rabinovich, age 29, resides in Brooklyn, New York. He is the general
partner of Rabinovich
& Associates and a self-described "private wealth manager." From
August 2001 through April 2004, Rabinovich worked as a registered representative for,
successively, Dupont Securities Group, Inc., Indianapolis Securities, Inc. and Salomon Grey
Financial Corporation, each of which has been the subject of significant disciplinary action.
In
March 2004, he consented to a fine of $5,000 to resolve a customer complaint of unauthorized
trading while at Dupont. In ~~1~2004, the NASD revoked his registration for failure to pay the
-
fine, and shortly thereafter, Rabinovich consented to a bar fiom association with any NASD
member in
any capacity on the basis of his failure to respond to an NASD request to provide
testimony.
In November 2004, the NASD found Rabinovich and Dupont jointly liable in a
customer arbitration for approximately $165,000, based on claims of fi-aud, breach of contract
and breach of fiduciary duty.
13. Joseph Lova~lio, age
25, resides in Brooklyn, New York. He is a managing
director of Rabinovich
& Associates and the head of its sales operation. Since 1998, he has
worked for at least seven financial firms, at least three of which have been the subject of law
enforcement action. Lovaglio is the subject of a pending FINRA proceeding based on his failure
to provide
FINRA with requested information and documents in connection with a customer
allegation of fraud.
'
Rabinovich & Associates
14. Rabinovich & Associates holds itself out as an "independent investment
company" and a broker-dealer "whose affiliates offer a broad array of financial products and
services," and whose principal offices are located at 14 Wall Street. According to the
Rabinovich
& Associates limited partnership agreement, the Fund "is organized to acquire for
investment the securities
. . .of any recognized stock exchange company . . . to realize the value
of such Securities by managing the same for the mutual benefit of the [General Partner and the
Limited Partners]." The firm's website indicates that the Fund is divided into two funds, one of
which follows a "moderate growth" strategy and the other of which follows an "aggressive
growth" strategy.
15. The limited partnership agreement confers broad powers on the general partner,
who is Alex Rabinovich. The agreement also provides that the general partner shall receive "no
fees, wages or payment" for managing the Fund, "except for his fifty
(50%) percent profit
realized on any transactions on behalf of the partnership[,]" and provides that the partnership
shall bear all organizational and operating expenses.
16.
The firm's website expands only slightly on the Fund's vague investment strategy.
It states, for example, that Rabinovich's goal is "to yield returns to individual investors that
institutions are accustomed to[,]" and continues with such bland pronouncements as:
The firm's model for investing complements the average investor's needs.
The model works when capital is pooled together and distributed
respectively. It limits risk and increases returns.
. . . When many investors
devote funds together, capital accumulates and all are more likely to turn a
profit because of the large buying power.
. . .
17.
Among the Fund's main selling points are the firm's claimed experience and the
Fund's purported track record. The website recounts the firm's supposed "experience and
success with institutional clients." The site Wer represents, "Due to the fund's exceptional
performance and the successful relationships maintained with multi-million dollar clients, the
firm also agreed to reward average investors.
.. . Therefore, at the end of 2003, the fund closed
its doors to institutions and welcomed the average investor."
18. Upon information and belief, there have never have been institutional investors in
the Fund and the firm has never had any multi-million dollar clients.
19.
In marketing the Fund, Defendants extol the Fund's purported extraorbary track
record. The Fund's website indicates that, from inception, the firm has aclveved a 127.3% return
in its "moderate growth
fund" and a 442.9% return in its "aggressive growth fund." The website
Wher claims, for example, that the firm achieved a 123.90% return in 2004, an 84.20% return in
2005 and a 54.70% return in 2006. Moreover, according to the website, in the firm's worst
quarter ever
-purportedly the only quarter in the three-year period when the quarterly return was
less than 11.80%
-it achieved a 6.10% return. The website conveys that these purported returns
are the result of the firm's "large buying poweryy and Rabinovich's trading acumen. According to
the website, Rabinovich is "the man who is able to swim with the sharks."
20.
The Fund's website also highlights the Fund's supposed flexible redemption
policy and lack of management fees, as well as the purported character of Rabinovich and
Lovaglio. For example, the website contains a number of "testimonials" that extol the Fund's
flexibility and high returns and praise Rabinovich and Lovaglio personally:
"The thing
I appreciate most is the personable service and the returns are
phenomenal." James Bull from
NV
7
"R&A L.P. has guided us correctly in the market and is delightful team to
work with. Joseph Lovaglio is very easy to communicate with and a
pleasure to do business with." Thomas Yancey from
AZ
"The only company where the firm gets compensated on performance and
also pick[s] mostly winners providing percentage gains in any market
conditions, where else can you do that." Dean Henderson from CA
"I am pleased with the consistency of performance that the fund produces.
Alex Rabinovich is honest,
fiank, and very easy to deal with. He is one of
the most trustworthy people in the industry that
I have ever encountered.
He will tell you how it is!
!" Howard Hinck from NJ
Defendants Are opera tin^ a Boiler Room
21.
The firm's primary activity is the sale of limited partnership interests in the Fund
and other securities, including shares in a purported private placement by Datawind Net Access
Corp.
In addition, Rabinovich engages in day-trading on behalf of the Fund.
22. Lovaglio heads the sales operation, which consists of himself and a number of
other cold callers. Lovaglio personally makes many of the cold calls and also frequently calls
existing Fund investors to solicit additional investments. The Fund's salesmen are paid a
commission based on a percentage of the amount they raise.
23. The firm targets senior citizens and unsophisticated investors. At least eleven of
the Fund's investors are sixty years old or older, including three who are in their seventies and
three who are in their eighties. At least three investors used their
IRA money to invest in the
Fund, with the firm's assistance and encouragement. Fund investors are located across the
country.
24. By means of fraudulent representations and hgh pressure sales tactics, including
those described below, Defendants have raised at least
$550,000 from at least twenty-three
8
investors.
Defendants Have Made and Continue to ~ake Materially False
and Misleading Statements to Fund Investors and Prospective Investors
25.
To induce potential investors to invest in the Fund and to induce existing
investors to make additional investments and to refer other prospective investors, Defendants
have made numerous misrepresentations to Fund investors and prospective investors about the
firm, the background of the firm's principals, the Fund's track record, and the performance of
individual investors' accounts.
26.
Defendants represent on quarterly account statements mailed to investors that
Rabinovich
& Associates is a member of the NASD, the NYSE, and SIPC. Tlvs representation
is false. The firm is not a member of the NASD or the NYSE and its customer's accounts are not
insured by SIPC.
27.
Defendants also tout the firm's supposed Wall Street location. On account
statements, letters to investors, the firm's website, Rabinovich's and Lovaglio's business cards,
and the limited partnership agreements mailed to some investors, the firm has repeatedly
represented that its office or its principal office is at 14 Wall Street. Investors have been
instructed to, and do, send funds and signed partnerslvp agreements to the Wall Street address in
the belief that the firm's offices are located there. In fact, the offices are in an unmarked
Brooklyn storefront and the Wall Street address is nothing more than a commercial mail drop
used by Defendants to create the false impression that the firm is prosperous and professional.
28.
Defendants fail to disclose to investors or potential investors that Rabinovich has
been barred by the NASD from association with any broker or dealer, even as the firm's website
-which does not mention Rabinovich's bar -touts his purported experience and includes a
testimonial to his honesty. On information and belief, Defendants also fail to disclose to
investors and prospective investors the pending FINRA proceeding against Lovaglio, which is
not disclosed on the website.
29. Defendants also misrepresent the Fund's track record to prospective and existing
Fund investors. For example, the firm website states that the Fund achieved a 123.90% return in
2004, an 84.20% return in 2005 and a 54.70% return
in 2006. The same or similar performance
claims are also contained in promotional materials sent to prospective investors.
In one such
document, Defendants touted a cumulative return of 538.01% fiom the Fund's inception in
December 2002.
30. Quarterly account statements sent to Fund investors also represent that the Fund is
earning substantial returns. The account statements set forth the amount of each investor's
"dividend," and reflect Fund performance of as much as 18.6% for a quarter and 62.278% for a
year.
3 1. These performance claims are false. Since it began trading, the Fund has incurred
losses on its tradmg every quarter.
32.
Defendants have made other misrepresentations about the benefits and risks of
investing in the Fund. For example, correspondence dated December 2006 sent to one Fund
investor states, in part:
Benefits of Rabinovich
& Associates LP Fund Program
-Asset diversification and the possible risk reduction associated with adding low to
slightly negative correlation to the equity investments in your portfolio
-A good alternative to low yielding bonds and deposits
-Professional account management fiom a well-capitalized firm
10
-Liquidity of assets -redemptions may take place on a quarterly basis, with no fee or
penalty.
In fact, in light of its consistent losses, the Fund is not a good alternative to "low yielding bonds
and deposits" and, upon information and belief, the firm is not well-capitalized.
33.
In addition to the misrepresentations outlined above, Lovaglio has made other
false or misleading statements to investors and prospective investors in oral sales pitches. For
example, Lovaglio told one investor that he was heavily invested in the Fund himself, when in
fact he is not. Lovaglio also minimized the risks of investing in the Fund when speaking with
investors and potential investors, by, for example, comparing an investment in the Fund to
"money in the bank."
In selling interests in the Fund, Lovaglio also engaged in other high
pressure sales tactics.
'
Defendants Are Continuing to Defraud Fund Investors and to Solicit Additional
Investments
34.
Defendants are continuing to defiaud Fund investors and continuing to solicit
additional investments
in the Fund. The most recent account statements sent to Fund investors,
for the quarter ended September 2007, repeat the false representation that the firm is a member of
the NASD, NASD, and SPC. These statements also contain positive performance claims for the
quarter that are inconsistent with the trading losses in the Fund's brokerage account for that
period.
In addition, at least as recently as October and November 2007, Fund investors have
been solicited to make additional investments in the Fund.
FIRST CLAIM FOR RELIEF
[AllDefendants]
Violations of Section 17(a) of the Securities Act, 15 U.S.C.
5 77q(a),
seetion lo@) of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C.
5 78j@),
and Rule lob-5 thereunder, 17 C.F.R.
6 240.10b-5
35.
The Commission repeats and realleges the allegations contained in paragraphs 1
through
34 by reference as if fully set forth herein.
36.
The limited partnership interests in Rabinovich
& Associates offered and sold by
Defendants are securities within the meaning of Section 2(1) of the Securities Act, 15 U.S.C.
5
77b(l), and Section 3(a)(10) of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. 5 78c(a)(10).
37. The misrepresentations and omissions described above are material.
38.
Defendants, directly and indirectly, singly and in concert, knowingly or recklessly,
by the use of the means or instnunents of transportation or communication in, and the means or
instnunentalities of, interstate commerce, or by the use of the mails, in the offer or sale, and in
connection with the purchase or sale, of securities, have: (a) employed devices, schemes or
artifices to defiaud; (b) obtained money or property by means of, or otherwise made untrue
statements of material fact, or omitted to state material facts necessary to make the statements, in
light of the circumstances under whch they were made, not misleading; and (c) engaged in
transactions, acts, practices and courses of business which operated or would operate as a fiaud
or deceit upon purchasers of securities or other persons.
39.
By reason of the foregoing, Defendants have violated, are violating, and unless
restrained and enjoined, will continue to violate, Section 17(a) of the Securities Act, 15 U.S.C.
5
77q(a), Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act, 15U.S.C. 5 78j(b), and Rule lob-5 thereunder, 17
C.F.R. 8 240.10b-5.
SECOND CLAIM FOR RELIEF
[Rabinovich and Lovaglio]
Violations of Section 206(4) of the Advisers Act, 15 U.S.C.
5 80b-6(4)
and Rule 206(4)-8,17 C.F.R.
6275.206(4)-8
40. The Commission realleges and incorporates paragraphs 1 through 39 by reference
as if fully set forth herein.
41. Rabinovich is an investment adviser as defined by Section 202(a)(l1) of the
Advisers Act, 15 U.S.C. 880b-2(a)(11).
42. The Fund is a pooled investment vehicle as defined by Advisers Act Rule 206(4)-
8(b), 17 C.F.R.
$ 275.206(4)-8(b).
43.
Rabinovich, singly and in concert with others, directly and indirectly, by use of the
mails or any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce, engaged in acts, practices, or
courses of business which are fraudulent, deceptive, or manipulative. Specifically, Rabinovich
(a) made untrue statements of a material fact, or omitted to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements made, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading, to investors or prospective investors in the Fund; andlor
(b) engaged in acts,
practices, or course of business that were fraudulent, deceptive, or manipulative with respect to
investors or prospective investors in the Fund.
44. By reason of the foregoing, Rabinovich has violated, is violating, and unless
enjoined, will continue to violate, Section 206(4) of the Advisers Act, 15 U.S.C.
$ 80'0-6(4) and
Rule 206(4)-8 thereunder, 17 C.F.R. $275.206(4)-8.
i
45. Lovaglio substantially assisted Rabinovich's violations of Section 206(4) of the
Advisers Act, 15 U.S.C. 80b-6(4) and Rule 206(4)-8 thereunder, 17 C.F.R. 275.206(4)-8, and
did so knowingly or recklessly.
46.
By reason of the foregoing, Lovaglio has aided and abetted, is aiding and abetting,
and unless enjoined, will continue to aid and abet, Rabinovich's violations of Section 206(4) of
the Advisers Act, 15 U.S.C.
5 80b-6(4) and Rule 206(4)-8 thereunder, 17 C.F.R. 5 275.206(4)-8.
THIRD CLAIM FOR RELIEF
JAll Defendants1
Violations
of Sections 5(a) and 5(c) of the Securities Act, 15 U.S.C. 6677e(a) and 77e(c)
47. The Commission realleges and incorporates paragraphs 1 through 46 by reference
as if hlly set forth herein.
48.
No registration statement was ever filed with the Commission or in effect with
respect to the interests in the Fund offered and sold by Defendants, and no exemption from
registration is available.
49.
Defendants, directly or indirectly: (a) made use of the means or instruments of
transportation or communication in interstate commerce or of the mails to sell securities through
the use or medium of a prospectus or otherwise; or canied securities or caused such securities to
be carried through the mails or in interstate commerce, by means or instruments of
transportation, for the purpose of sale or for delivery after sale; and
(b) made use of the means or
instruments of transportation or communication in interstate commerce or of the mails to offer to
sell or offer to buy, through the use or medium of any prospectus or otherwise, securities without
a registration statement having been filed or being in effect with the Commission as to such
securities.
50.
By reason of the foregoing, Defendants have violated, are violating, and unless
enjoined, will continue to violate Sections 5(a) and 5(c) of the Securities Act, 15 U.S.C.
55
77e(a) and 77e(c).
FOURTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF
[All Defendants]
Violations of Section 15(a) of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C.
46 78o(a)
51. The Commission realleges and incorporates paragraphs 1 through 50 by reference
as if fully set forth herein.
52.
Defendants were engaged and continue to engage in soliciting purchases of, and
effecting transactions in, securities issued by defendant Rabinovich
& Associates and other
securities, and received compensation based on those transactions. Neither Rabinovich
&
Associates, Rabinovich, nor Lovaglio was registered as a broker or dealer, and Rabinovich,
Lovaglio and the other salespeople were not associated persons of a registered broker or dealer.
53.
By engaging in the conduct described above, directly or indirectly, Defendants, by
use of the mails and the means or instrumentalities of interstate commerce, while acting as
brokers and while engaged in the business of effecting transactions in securities for the accounts
of others otherwise than through a national securities exchange, effected transactions in, or
induced or attempted to induce the purchase or sale of securities (other than an exempted security
or commercial paper, banker's acceptances, or commercial bills) without registering as a broker
or dealer in accordance with Section
15(b) of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. 5 78o(b).
54.
By reason of the foregoing, Defendants have violated, are violating, and unless
restrained and enjoined will continue to violate, Section 15(a) of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C:§
FIFTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF
[Rabinovich
& Associates]
Violations of Section 7(a) of the Investment Company Act,
15 U.S.C. 6 80a-7(a)
55.
The Commission realleges and incorporates paragraphs 1 through 54 by reference
as if hlly set forth herein.
56. Rabinovich
& Associates has issued securities in a public offering and is and has
been or has held itself out as being engaged primarily, and proposes and has proposed to engage
primarily, in the business of investing, reinvesting, or trading in securities.
57.
Rabinovich
& Associates therefore was and is an investment company under
Section 3(a)(l) of the Investment Company Act, 15 U.S.C.
5 80a-3(a)(l). No exemption or
exclusion is available. Accordingly, Rabinovich
& Associates was and is required to register
with the Commission under Section 7(a) of the Investment Company Act, 15 U.S.C.
5 80a-7(a).
It is not so registered and, by acting as an investment company without being registered, has
violated, is violating, and unless enjoined will continue to violate, Section 7(a) of the Investment
Company Act.
58.
By reason of the foregoing, Rabinovich
& Associates have violated, are violating,
and unless restrained and enjoined will continue to violate, Section 7(a) of the Investment
Company Act, 15 U.S.C.
tj 80a-7(a). [15 U.S.C. 5 80a-7(a)]
PRAYER FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff Commission respectfully requests that the Court:
1.
Enter a final judgment: '
(A)
Permanently restraining and enjoining the defendants, their officers,
agents, servants, employees, attorneys in-fact, and all persons in active concert or participation
with them who receive actual notice of the injunction by personal service or otherwise, and each
of them, from violating Sections 5(a), 5(c) and 17(a) of the Securities Act, 15 U.S.C.
$8 77e(a),
,
77e(c) and 77q(a), Sections lo@) and 15(a) of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C.
$5 78j@) and
78o(a), and Rule lob-5 thereunder, 17 C.F.R.
5 240.10b-5;
)
Permanently restraining and enjoining Rabinovich and Lovaglio, their
officers, agents, servants, employees, attorneys in-fact, and all persons in active concert or
participation with them who receive actual notice of the injunction by personal service or
otherwise, and each of them, from violating from violating Section 206(4) of the Advisers Act,
15 U.S.C.
$ 80b-6(4), and Rule 206(4)-8, 17 C.F.R. 5 275.206(4)-8;
(C)
Permanently restraining and enjoining Rabinovich and Associates, its
officers, agents, servants, employees, attorneys in-fact, and all persons in active concert or
participation with them who receive actual notice of the injunction by personal service or
otherwise, and each of them, from violating Section 7(a) of the Investment Company Act, 15
U.S.C. $ 80a-7(a);
(D)
Directing Defendants to disgorge their ill-gotten gains from the violative
conduct alleged in this complaint, and to pay prejudgment interest thereon;
17
(E)
Directing Defendants to pay civil money penalties pursuant to Section
20(d) of the Securities Act, 15 U.S.C.
5 77t(d), Section 21(d) of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. 5
78u(d), Section 209(e) of the Advisers Act, 15 U.S.C. 5 80b-9(e); and, with respect to defendant
Rabinovich
& Associates, pursuant to Section 42(e) of the Investment Company Act, 15 U.S.C. $
80a-41 (e);
2. Grant the temporary and preliminary relief sought by the Commission in the
application filed herewith; and
3.
Such other and further relief as the Court deems appropriate.
Dated: November 26,2007
-New York, New York
Respectfully submitted,
I
I
Mark K. Schonfeld (MS-2798)
ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFF
SECURITlES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
New York Regional Office
3 World Financial Center
Room 400
New York, New York 1028
1
(212) 336-0145 (Paley)
Of Counsel:
Andrew
M. Calamari
Leslie Kazon
James
Burt IV
Michael Paley
Kristine Zaleskas Counsel of Record:
Mark K. Schonfeld (MS-2798)
Attorneys for Plaintiff
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
New York Regional Office
3 World Financial Center, Suite 400
New York, NY 10281-1022
(212) 336-0145 (Paley)
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION,
Plaintiff,
against- COMPLAINT
RABINOVICH & ASSOCIATES, LP,
ALEX RABINOVICH AND
JOSEPH LOVAGLIO,
Defendants.
Plaintiff Securities and Exchange Commission for its complaint against Rabinovich &
Associates LP ("Rabinovich & Associates"), Alex Rabinovich ("Rabinovich") and Joseph
Lovaglio ("Lovaglio") (collectively, "Defendants") alleges as follows:
SUMMARY
1. This action arises out of an ongoing, fraudulent securities offering by Alex
Rabinovich, Rabinovich & Associates, LP, an unregistered investment company and broker-
dealer managed by Rabinovich, and Joseph Lovaglio, a salesman and managing director at
Rabinovich & Associates. Operating out of a storefront boiler room in Brooklyn, Defendants are
:
selling limited partnership interests in Rabinovich & Associates (sometimes referred to hereafter
as the "Fund" or the "firm") and other securities to investors, including senior citizens and
retirees.
2. Defendants obtain investments in the Fund by cold-calling and have made, and are
continuing 'to make, fraudulent statements to investors and prospective investors in the Fund,
including: (1) false claims that the Fund has been extraordinarily profitable whereas the Fund's
actual performance has been dismal; and (2) false representations that Rabinovich & Associates
is a Wall Street firm and a member of the NASD, the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"), and
the Securities Investor Protection Corporation ("SPC"). Defendants have also failed to disclose
to investors that Rabinovich has been barred by the NASD from associating with any broker or
dealer and that there is a pending action by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.
("FINRA") seeking to bar Lovaglio from associating with any broker or dealer.'
3. Defendants have raised at least $550,000 from at least twenty-three investors, and
have lost most of that money, even while providing investors with quarterly account statements
that reflect large gains and "dividends" in every period. Defendants are continuing to solicit
investments in the Fund and the purchase of other securities and are continuing to lull existing
Fund investors with false account statements.
4. In addition to defrauding Fund investors and prospective investors, Defendants are
unlawfully operating as unregistered broker-dealers and offering and selling securities in an
unregistered offering; and defendant Rabinovich & Associates is unlawfully operating as an
unregistered investment company.
Effective July 30,2007, the NASD and NYSE member regulation, enforcement, and
arbitration operations have been consolidated, creating FINRA.
1
5. Through t h s conduct, and that detailed below, Defendants have violated Sections
5(a), 5(c) and 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 ("Securities Act"), 15 U.S.C. $8 77e(a), 77e(c)
and 77q(a), Sections 10(b) and 15(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act"),
15 U.S.C. $8 78j(b) and 78o(a), and Rule lob-5 thereunder, 17 C.F.R. 8 240.10b-5; Rabinovich
has violated Section 206(4) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 ("Advisers Act"), 15 U.S.C.
8 80b-6(4), and Rule 206(4)-8, 17 C.F.R. 5 275.206(4)-8; ~ o v a ~ l i o has aided and abetted
violations of Section 206(4) of the Advisers Act, 15 U.S.C. tj 80b-6(4), and Rule 206(4)-8, 17
C.F.R. 8 275.206(4)-8; and Rabinovich & Associates has violated Section 7(a) of the Investment
Company Act of 1940 ("Investment Company Act"), 15 U.S.C. 8 80a-7(a).
6. Unless restrained and enjoined by the Court, Defendants will continue to engage
in the transactions, acts, practices and courses of business alleged herein, and in transactions,
acts, practices, and courses of business of a similar type and object.
7. By this action, the Commission seeks: (a) permanent injunctive relief; (b)
disgorgement and prejudgment interest; (c) civil penalties; (d) emergency and preliminary relief
including (i) a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction, (ii) asset freezes, and (iii)
orders requiring Defendants to provide sworn accountings, permitting expedited discovery, and
prohibiting the destruction of documents; and (e) such further relief as the Court may deem
appropriate.
JURISDICTION AND VENUE
8. The Commission brings this action pursuant to authority conferred by Section
20(b) of the Securities Act, 15 U.S.C. 8 77t(b), Section 2 1(d) of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. 6
78u(d), Section 209(d) of the Advisers Act, 15 U.S.C. 5 80b-9(d), and Section 42(d) of the
3
5. Through this conduct, and that detailed below, Defendants have violated Sections
5(a), 5(c) and 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 ("Securities Act"), 15 U.S.C. 55 77e(a), 77e(c)
and 77q(a), Sections 10(b) and 15(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act"),
15 U.S.C. $ 5 78j(b) and 78o(a), and Rule lob-5 thereunder, 17 C.F.R. 5 240.10b-5; Rabinovich
has violated Section 206(4) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 ("Advisers Act"), 15 U.S.C.
80b-6(4), and Rule 206(4)-8, 17 C.F.R. 5 275.206(4)-8; Lovaglio has aided and abetted
violations of Section 206(4) of the Advisers Act, 15 U.S.C. 5 80b-6(4), and Rule 206(4)-8, 17
C.F.R. 5 275.206(4)-8; and Rabinovich & Associates has violated Section 7(a) of the Investment
Company Act of 1940 ("Investment Company Act"), 15 U.S.C. 5 80a-7(a).
6. Unless restrained and enjoined by the Court, Defendants will continue to engage
in the transactions, acts, practices and courses of business alleged herein, and in transactions,
acts, practices, and courses of business of a similar type and object.
7. By th~s action, the Commission seeks: (a) permanent injunctive relief; (b)
disgorgement and prejudgment interest; (c) civil penalties; (d) emergency and preliminary relief
including (i) a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction, (ii) asset freezes, and (iii)
orders requiring Defendants to provide sworn accountings, permitting expedited discovery, and
prohibiting the destruction of documents; and (e) such fixther relief as the Court may deem
appropriate.
JURISDICTION
8. The Commission brings this action pursuant to authority conferred by Section
20(b) of the Securities Act, 15 U.S.C. 5 77t(b), Section 21(d) of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. tj
78u(d), Section 209(d) of the Advisers Act, 15 U.S.C. 5 80b-9(d), and Section 42(d) of the
Investment Company Act, 15 U.S.C. 5 80a-41(d). This Court has jurisdiction over this action
pursuant to Section 22(a) of the Securities Act, 15 U.S.C. 5 77v(a), Sections 21(d), 21(e) and 27
of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. 55 78u(d), 77u(e) and 78aa, Section 2 14 of the Advisers Act, 15
U.S.C. 5 80b-14, and Section 44 of the Investment Company Act, 15 U.S.C. 5 80a-43.
9. Venue lies in this district pursuant to Section 22(a) of the Securities Act, 15
U.S.C. 5 77v(a), and Section 27 of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. $78aa, Section 214 of the
Advisers Act, 15 U.S.C. 5 80b-14, and Section 44 of the Investment Company Act, 15 U.S.C. 5
80a-43. Certain of the transactions, acts, practices and courses of business constituting the
violations alleged herein occurred within the Southern District of New York.
10. Defendants, directly or indirectly, singly or in concert, have made use of the
means or instrumentalities of transportation or communication in, or the instrumentalities of,
interstate commerce, or of the mails, in connection with the transactions, acts, practices, and
courses of business alleged in this complaint.
THEDEFENDANTS
1 1. Rabinovich & Associates, LP is a limited partnership, purportedly organized in
December 2002 and located at 14 Wall Street, New York, NY. Its offices are actually located in
an unmarked storefront at 502 Gravesend Neck Road, Brooklyn, NY. It is not registered in any
capacity with the Commission, and is not a member of the NASD, the NYSE or SIPC.
According to its website, www.ra-lp.com, Rabinovich & Associates is an "independent
investment company whose affiliates offer a broad array of financial products and services." In
actuality, Rabinovich & Associates is an unregistered investment company and an unregistered
http:www.ra-lp.com
broker-dealer operating a boiler room.
12. Alex Rabinovich, age 29, resides in Brooklyn, New York. He is the general
partner of Rabinovich & Associates and a self-described "private wealth manager." From
August 2001 through April 2004, Rabinovich worked as a registered representative for,
successively, Dupont Securities Group, Inc., Indianapolis Securities, Inc. and Salomon Grey
Financial Corporation, each of which has been the subject of significant disciplinary action. In
March 2004, he consented to a fine of $5,000 to resolve a customer complaint of unauthorized
trading while at Dupont. In ~ ~ 1 ~ 2 0 0 4 , the NASD revoked his registration for failure to pay the
- fine, and shortly thereafter, Rabinovich consented to a bar fiom association with any NASD
member in any capacity on the basis of his failure to respond to an NASD request to provide
testimony. In November 2004, the NASD found Rabinovich and Dupont jointly liable in a
customer arbitration for approximately $165,000, based on claims of fi-aud, breach of contract
and breach of fiduciary duty.
13. Joseph Lova~lio, age 25, resides in Brooklyn, New York. He is a managing
director of Rabinovich & Associates and the head of its sales operation. Since 1998, he has
worked for at least seven financial firms, at least three of which have been the subject of law
enforcement action. Lovaglio is the subject of a pending FINRA proceeding based on his failure
to provide FINRA with requested information and documents in connection with a customer
allegation of fraud. '
Rabinovich & Associates
14. Rabinovich & Associates holds itself out as an "independent investment
company" and a broker-dealer "whose affiliates offer a broad array of financial products and
services," and whose principal offices are located at 14 Wall Street. According to the
Rabinovich & Associates limited partnership agreement, the Fund "is organized to acquire for
investment the securities . . .of any recognized stock exchange company . . . to realize the value
of such Securities by managing the same for the mutual benefit of the [General Partner and the
Limited Partners]." The firm's website indicates that the Fund is divided into two funds, one of
which follows a "moderate growth" strategy and the other of which follows an "aggressive
growth" strategy.
15. The limited partnership agreement confers broad powers on the general partner,
who is Alex Rabinovich. The agreement also provides that the general partner shall receive "no
fees, wages or payment" for managing the Fund, "except for his fifty (50%) percent profit
realized on any transactions on behalf of the partnership[,]" and provides that the partnership
shall bear all organizational and operating expenses.
16. The firm's website expands only slightly on the Fund's vague investment strategy.
It states, for example, that Rabinovich's goal is "to yield returns to individual investors that
institutions are accustomed to[,]" and continues with such bland pronouncements as:
The firm's model for investing complements the average investor's needs.
The model works when capital is pooled together and distributed
respectively. It limits risk and increases returns. . . . When many investors
devote funds together, capital accumulates and all are more likely to turn a
profit because of the large buying power. . . .
17. Among the Fund's main selling points are the firm's claimed experience and the
Fund's purported track record. The website recounts the firm's supposed "experience and
success with institutional clients." The site W e r represents, "Due to the fund's exceptional
performance and the successful relationships maintained with multi-million dollar clients, the
firm also agreed to reward average investors. . . . Therefore, at the end of 2003, the fund closed
its doors to institutions and welcomed the average investor."
18. Upon information and belief, there have never have been institutional investors in
the Fund and the firm has never had any multi-million dollar clients.
19. In marketing the Fund, Defendants extol the Fund's purported extraorbary track
record. The Fund's website indicates that, from inception, the firm has aclveved a 127.3% return
in its "moderate growth fund" and a 442.9% return in its "aggressive growth fund." The website
Wher claims, for example, that the firm achieved a 123.90% return in 2004, an 84.20% return in
2005 and a 54.70% return in 2006. Moreover, according to the website, in the firm's worst
quarter ever -purportedly the only quarter in the three-year period when the quarterly return was
less than 11.80% - it achieved a 6.10% return. The website conveys that these purported returns
are the result of the firm's "large buying poweryy and Rabinovich's trading acumen. According to
the website, Rabinovich is "the man who is able to swim with the sharks."
20. The Fund's website also highlights the Fund's supposed flexible redemption
policy and lack of management fees, as well as the purported character of Rabinovich and
Lovaglio. For example, the website contains a number of "testimonials" that extol the Fund's
flexibility and high returns and praise Rabinovich and Lovaglio personally:
"The thing I appreciate most is the personable service and the returns are
phenomenal." James Bull from NV
7
"R&A L.P. has guided us correctly in the market and is delightful team to
work with. Joseph Lovaglio is very easy to communicate with and a
pleasure to do business with." Thomas Yancey from AZ
"The only company where the firm gets compensated on performance and
also pick[s] mostly winners providing percentage gains in any market
conditions, where else can you do that." Dean Henderson from CA
"I am pleased with the consistency of performance that the fund produces.
Alex Rabinovich is honest, fiank, and very easy to deal with. He is one of
the most trustworthy people in the industry that I have ever encountered.
He will tell you how it is! !" Howard Hinck from NJ
Defendants Are opera tin^ a Boiler Room
21. The firm's primary activity is the sale of limited partnership interests in the Fund
and other securities, including shares in a purported private placement by Datawind Net Access
Corp. In addition, Rabinovich engages in day-trading on behalf of the Fund.
22. Lovaglio heads the sales operation, which consists of himself and a number of
other cold callers. Lovaglio personally makes many of the cold calls and also frequently calls
existing Fund investors to solicit additional investments. The Fund's salesmen are paid a
commission based on a percentage of the amount they raise.
23. The firm targets senior citizens and unsophisticated investors. At least eleven of
the Fund's investors are sixty years old or older, including three who are in their seventies and
three who are in their eighties. At least three investors used their IRA money to invest in the
Fund, with the firm's assistance and encouragement. Fund investors are located across the
country.
24. By means of fraudulent representations and hgh pressure sales tactics, including
those described below, Defendants have raised at least $550,000 from at least twenty-three
8
investors.
Defendants Have Made and Continue to ~ a k e Materially False
and Misleading Statements to Fund Investors and Prospective Investors
25. To induce potential investors to invest in the Fund and to induce existing
investors to make additional investments and to refer other prospective investors, Defendants
have made numerous misrepresentations to Fund investors and prospective investors about the
firm, the background of the firm's principals, the Fund's track record, and the performance of
individual investors' accounts.
26. Defendants represent on quarterly account statements mailed to investors that
Rabinovich & Associates is a member of the NASD, the NYSE, and SIPC. Tlvs representation
is false. The firm is not a member of the NASD or the NYSE and its customer's accounts are not
insured by SIPC.
27. Defendants also tout the firm's supposed Wall Street location. On account
statements, letters to investors, the firm's website, Rabinovich's and Lovaglio's business cards,
and the limited partnership agreements mailed to some investors, the firm has repeatedly
represented that its office or its principal office is at 14 Wall Street. Investors have been
instructed to, and do, send funds and signed partnerslvp agreements to the Wall Street address in
the belief that the firm's offices are located there. In fact, the offices are in an unmarked
Brooklyn storefront and the Wall Street address is nothing more than a commercial mail drop
used by Defendants to create the false impression that the firm is prosperous and professional.
28. Defendants fail to disclose to investors or potential investors that Rabinovich has
been barred by the NASD from association with any broker or dealer, even as the firm's website
-which does not mention Rabinovich's bar - touts his purported experience and includes a
testimonial to his honesty. On information and belief, Defendants also fail to disclose to
investors and prospective investors the pending FINRA proceeding against Lovaglio, which is
not disclosed on the website.
29. Defendants also misrepresent the Fund's track record to prospective and existing
Fund investors. For example, the firm website states that the Fund achieved a 123.90% return in
2004, an 84.20% return in 2005 and a 54.70% return in 2006. The same or similar performance
claims are also contained in promotional materials sent to prospective investors. In one such
document, Defendants touted a cumulative return of 538.01% fiom the Fund's inception in
December 2002.
30. Quarterly account statements sent to Fund investors also represent that the Fund is
earning substantial returns. The account statements set forth the amount of each investor's
"dividend," and reflect Fund performance of as much as 18.6% for a quarter and 62.278% for a
year.
3 1. These performance claims are false. Since it began trading, the Fund has incurred
losses on its tradmg every quarter.
32. Defendants have made other misrepresentations about the benefits and risks of
investing in the Fund. For example, correspondence dated December 2006 sent to one Fund
investor states, in part:
Benefits of Rabinovich & Associates LP Fund Program
-Asset diversification and the possible risk reduction associated with adding low to
slightly negative correlation to the equity investments in your portfolio
-A good alternative to low yielding bonds and deposits
-Professional account management fiom a well-capitalized firm
10
-Liquidity of assets -redemptions may take place on a quarterly basis, with no fee or
penalty.
In fact, in light of its consistent losses, the Fund is not a good alternative to "low yielding bonds
and deposits" and, upon information and belief, the firm is not well-capitalized.
33. In addition to the misrepresentations outlined above, Lovaglio has made other
false or misleading statements to investors and prospective investors in oral sales pitches. For
example, Lovaglio told one investor that he was heavily invested in the Fund himself, when in
fact he is not. Lovaglio also minimized the risks of investing in the Fund when speaking with
investors and potential investors, by, for example, comparing an investment in the Fund to
"money in the bank." In selling interests in the Fund, Lovaglio also engaged in other high
pressure sales tactics. '
Defendants Are Continuing to Defraud Fund Investors and to Solicit Additional
Investments
34. Defendants are continuing to defiaud Fund investors and continuing to solicit
additional investments in the Fund. The most recent account statements sent to Fund investors,
for the quarter ended September 2007, repeat the false representation that the firm is a member of
the NASD, NASD, and SPC. These statements also contain positive performance claims for the
quarter that are inconsistent with the trading losses in the Fund's brokerage account for that
period. In addition, at least as recently as October and November 2007, Fund investors have
been solicited to make additional investments in the Fund.
FIRST CLAIM FOR RELIEF
[AllDefendants]
Violations of Section 17(a) of the Securities Act, 15 U.S.C. 5 77q(a),
seetion lo@) of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. 5 78j@),
and Rule lob-5 thereunder, 17 C.F.R. 6 240.10b-5
35. The Commission repeats and realleges the allegations contained in paragraphs 1
through 34 by reference as if fully set forth herein.
36. The limited partnership interests in Rabinovich & Associates offered and sold by
Defendants are securities within the meaning of Section 2(1) of the Securities Act, 15 U.S.C. 5
77b(l), and Section 3(a)(10) of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. 5 78c(a)(10).
37. The misrepresentations and omissions described above are material.
38. Defendants, directly and indirectly, singly and in concert, knowingly or recklessly,
by the use of the means or instnunents of transportation or communication in, and the means or
instnunentalities of, interstate commerce, or by the use of the mails, in the offer or sale, and in
connection with the purchase or sale, of securities, have: (a) employed devices, schemes or
artifices to defiaud; (b) obtained money or property by means of, or otherwise made untrue
statements of material fact, or omitted to state material facts necessary to make the statements, in
light of the circumstances under whch they were made, not misleading; and (c) engaged in
transactions, acts, practices and courses of business which operated or would operate as a fiaud
or deceit upon purchasers of securities or other persons.
39. By reason of the foregoing, Defendants have violated, are violating, and unless
restrained and enjoined, will continue to violate, Section 17(a) of the Securities Act, 15 U.S.C. 5
77q(a), Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act, 15U.S.C. 5 78j(b), and Rule lob-5 thereunder, 17
C.F.R. 8 240.10b-5.
SECOND CLAIM FOR RELIEF
[Rabinovich and Lovaglio]
Violations of Section 206(4) of the Advisers Act, 15 U.S.C. 5 80b-6(4)
and Rule 206(4)-8,17 C.F.R. 6275.206(4)-8
40. The Commission realleges and incorporates paragraphs 1 through 39 by reference
as if fully set forth herein.
41. Rabinovich is an investment adviser as defined by Section 202(a)(l1) of the
Advisers Act, 15 U.S.C. 880b-2(a)(11).
42. The Fund is a pooled investment vehicle as defined by Advisers Act Rule 206(4)-
8(b), 17 C.F.R. $ 275.206(4)-8(b).
43. Rabinovich, singly and in concert with others, directly and indirectly, by use of the
mails or any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce, engaged in acts, practices, or
courses of business which are fraudulent, deceptive, or manipulative. Specifically, Rabinovich
(a) made untrue statements of a material fact, or omitted to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements made, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading, to investors or prospective investors in the Fund; andlor (b) engaged in acts,
practices, or course of business that were fraudulent, deceptive, or manipulative with respect to
investors or prospective investors in the Fund.
44. By reason of the foregoing, Rabinovich has violated, is violating, and unless
enjoined, will continue to violate, Section 206(4) of the Advisers Act, 15 U.S.C. $ 80'0-6(4) and
Rule 206(4)-8 thereunder, 17 C.F.R. $275.206(4)-8.
i
45. Lovaglio substantially assisted Rabinovich's violations of Section 206(4) of the
Advisers Act, 15 U.S.C. 80b-6(4) and Rule 206(4)-8 thereunder, 17 C.F.R. 275.206(4)-8, and
did so knowingly or recklessly.
46. By reason of the foregoing, Lovaglio has aided and abetted, is aiding and abetting,
and unless enjoined, will continue to aid and abet, Rabinovich's violations of Section 206(4) of
the Advisers Act, 15 U.S.C. 5 80b-6(4) and Rule 206(4)-8 thereunder, 17 C.F.R. 5 275.206(4)-8.
THIRD CLAIM FOR RELIEF
JAll Defendants1
Violations of Sections 5(a) and 5(c) of the Securities Act, 15 U.S.C. 66 77e(a) and 77e(c)
47. The Commission realleges and incorporates paragraphs 1 through 46 by reference
as if hlly set forth herein.
48. No registration statement was ever filed with the Commission or in effect with
respect to the interests in the Fund offered and sold by Defendants, and no exemption from
registration is available.
49. Defendants, directly or indirectly: (a) made use of the means or instruments of
transportation or communication in interstate commerce or of the mails to sell securities through
the use or medium of a prospectus or otherwise; or canied securities or caused such securities to
be carried through the mails or in interstate commerce, by means or instruments of
transportation, for the purpose of sale or for delivery after sale; and (b) made use of the means or
instruments of transportation or communication in interstate commerce or of the mails to offer to
sell or offer to buy, through the use or medium of any prospectus or otherwise, securities without
a registration statement having been filed or being in effect with the Commission as to such
securities.
50. By reason of the foregoing, Defendants have violated, are violating, and unless
enjoined, will continue to violate Sections 5(a) and 5(c) of the Securities Act, 15 U.S.C. 55
77e(a) and 77e(c).
FOURTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF
[All Defendants]
Violations of Section 15(a) of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. 46 78o(a)
51. The Commission realleges and incorporates paragraphs 1 through 50 by reference
as if fully set forth herein.
52. Defendants were engaged and continue to engage in soliciting purchases of, and
effecting transactions in, securities issued by defendant Rabinovich & Associates and other
securities, and received compensation based on those transactions. Neither Rabinovich &
Associates, Rabinovich, nor Lovaglio was registered as a broker or dealer, and Rabinovich,
Lovaglio and the other salespeople were not associated persons of a registered broker or dealer.
53. By engaging in the conduct described above, directly or indirectly, Defendants, by
use of the mails and the means or instrumentalities of interstate commerce, while acting as
brokers and while engaged in the business of effecting transactions in securities for the accounts
of others otherwise than through a national securities exchange, effected transactions in, or
induced or attempted to induce the purchase or sale of securities (other than an exempted security
or commercial paper, banker's acceptances, or commercial bills) without registering as a broker
or dealer in accordance with Section 15(b) of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. 5 78o(b).
54. By reason of the foregoing, Defendants have violated, are violating, and unless
restrained and enjoined will continue to violate, Section 15(a) of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C:§
FIFTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF
[Rabinovich& Associates]
Violations of Section 7(a) of the Investment Company Act, 15 U.S.C. 6 80a-7(a)
55. The Commission realleges and incorporates paragraphs 1 through 54 by reference
as if hlly set forth herein.
56. Rabinovich & Associates has issued securities in a public offering and is and has
been or has held itself out as being engaged primarily, and proposes and has proposed to engage
primarily, in the business of investing, reinvesting, or trading in securities.
57. Rabinovich & Associates therefore was and is an investment company under
Section 3(a)(l) of the Investment Company Act, 15 U.S.C. 5 80a-3(a)(l). No exemption or
exclusion is available. Accordingly, Rabinovich & Associates was and is required to register
with the Commission under Section 7(a) of the Investment Company Act, 15 U.S.C. 5 80a-7(a).
It is not so registered and, by acting as an investment company without being registered, has
violated, is violating, and unless enjoined will continue to violate, Section 7(a) of the Investment
Company Act.
58. By reason of the foregoing, Rabinovich & Associates have violated, are violating,
and unless restrained and enjoined will continue to violate, Section 7(a) of the Investment
Company Act, 15 U.S.C. tj 80a-7(a). [15 U.S.C. 5 80a-7(a)]
PRAYER FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff Commission respectfully requests that the Court:
1. Enter a final judgment: '
(A) Permanently restraining and enjoining the defendants, their officers,
agents, servants, employees, attorneys in-fact, and all persons in active concert or participation
with them who receive actual notice of the injunction by personal service or otherwise, and each
of them, from violating Sections 5(a), 5(c) and 17(a) of the Securities Act, 15 U.S.C. $ 8 77e(a),
,77e(c) and 77q(a), Sections lo@) and 15(a) of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. $ 5 78j@) and
78o(a), and Rule lob-5 thereunder, 17 C.F.R. 5 240.10b-5;
) Permanently restraining and enjoining Rabinovich and Lovaglio, their
officers, agents, servants, employees, attorneys in-fact, and all persons in active concert or
participation with them who receive actual notice of the injunction by personal service or
otherwise, and each of them, from violating from violating Section 206(4) of the Advisers Act,
15 U.S.C. $ 80b-6(4), and Rule 206(4)-8, 17 C.F.R. 5 275.206(4)-8;
(C) Permanently restraining and enjoining Rabinovich and Associates, its
officers, agents, servants, employees, attorneys in-fact, and all persons in active concert or
participation with them who receive actual notice of the injunction by personal service or
otherwise, and each of them, from violating Section 7(a) of the Investment Company Act, 15
U.S.C. $ 80a-7(a);
(D) Directing Defendants to disgorge their ill-gotten gains from the violative
conduct alleged in this complaint, and to pay prejudgment interest thereon;
17
(E) Directing Defendants to pay civil money penalties pursuant to Section
20(d) of the Securities Act, 15 U.S.C. 5 77t(d), Section 21(d) of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. 5
78u(d), Section 209(e) of the Advisers Act, 15 U.S.C. 5 80b-9(e); and, with respect to defendant
Rabinovich & Associates, pursuant to Section 42(e) of the Investment Company Act, 15 U.S.C. $
80a-41 (e);
2. Grant the temporary and preliminary relief sought by the Commission in the
application filed herewith; and
3. Such other and further relief as the Court deems appropriate.
Dated: November 26,2007
-New York, New York
Respectfully submitted,
I
I
Mark K. Schonfeld (MS-2798)
ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFF
SECURITlES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
New York Regional Office
3 World Financial Center
Room 400
New York, New York 1028 1
(212) 336-0145 (Paley)
Of Counsel:
Andrew M. Calamari
Leslie Kazon
James Burt IV
Michael Paley
Kristine Zaleskas