TOKYO -- SMBC Nikko Securities' vice president has been questioned by Tokyo prosecutors on a voluntary basis, as they consider whether to indict the company itself, in addition to individuals, over alleged market manipulation, sources told Nikkei on Wednesday.
The vice president was in charge of the equity headquarters, the unit of the company suspected by the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office of violating the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act. Four SMBC Nikko employees were arrested last week for allegedly manipulating share prices for block offers, which involves taking holdings from large shareholders and selling them to investors.
