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FBI Probes Lawyer In Alleged Decade-Long M&A Insider-Trading Scheme

The FBI is investigating lawyer Nicolo Nourafchan for allegedly running a decade-long scheme that funneled confidential M&A tips to traders ahead of buyouts handled by Boston law firm Goodwin Procter.[1]

Prosecutors also allege Nourafchan recruited M&A lawyers at Wachtell Lipton and Weil Gotshal to share confidential deal information with traders, the report said.[1]

FBI agents identified suspiciously successful trades ahead of acquisitions handled by Goodwin Procter and then traced the tips to Nourafchan, the Journal reported.[1] Investigators say the scheme spanned about a decade and involved sharing confidential deal details that can sharply boost trading gains.[1]

If proven, the allegations could lead to criminal charges and prompt wider scrutiny of how law firms protect confidential M&A information.

  1. Wall Street Journal
Insider Trading Corporate Law and Compliance
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📌 Key Facts

  • FBI agents identified suspiciously successful trades ahead of acquisitions handled by Boston-based law firm Goodwin Procter.
  • Investigators traced the tips to lawyer Nicolo Nourafchan, who allegedly supplied inside information on pending buyouts for about a decade.
  • Prosecutors say Nourafchan also recruited M&A lawyers at Wachtell Lipton and Weil Gotshal to share confidential deal information with traders.

📰 Source Timeline (1)

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May 12, 2026
1:00 AM
The Insider-Trading Scandal That Is Rocking M&A Law Firms
The Wall Street Journal by Dave Michaels