Archive · 2 Oct 2025
Ex-SocGen Banker, Traders Face Insider Trading Trial in France
Imagine some people knew a secret about a company called Airgas before anyone else.
This secret was about a takeover.
These people, including a banker and some traders, used this information to make money.
They were caught because they used burner phones to share the secret.
They made around €18 million by trading stocks based on this inside info.
Now, they have to go to court in France to explain what happened.
The court will decide if they broke the law and if they have to pay a fine or go to jail.
This trial is part of a global effort to stop people from making money from secrets.
An ex-Societe Generale banker and traders will face a trial in France.
They are suspected of making €18 million from an insider tip.
The case is related to Air Liquide SA's takeover of Airgas Inc.
Evidence includes wiretaps of conversations on a burner phone.
The trial is part of a wider effort to combat insider trading.
- Who
- Former Societe Generale banker Stéphane Fima and traders Lucien Selce, Alexis Kuperfis.
- What
- Facing a criminal trial in France for alleged insider trading.
- When
- The insider tip occurred about a decade ago, trial tentatively scheduled for February.
- Where
- Paris, France and involving the US company Airgas Inc.
- Why
- To face charges of insider trading, attempting to curb illegal activity.
- Defendants
- Stéphane Fima, Lucien Selce, Alexis Kuperfis, others
- Alleged Crime
- Insider trading
- Financial Gain
- Approximately €18 million ($21.1 million)
- Company Involved
- Airgas Inc.
- Main Evidence
- Wiretap of Fima's conversations on a burner phone
- Trial Location
- Paris, France