The British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC) alleges that Graham Leslie Harris, chairman and a director of Surge Battery Metals Inc., breached British Columbia’s Securities Act by trading while holding material information that had not been generally disclosed. Harris allegedly sold 459,600 Surge shares in September 2023 through accounts in four family members’ names during a company trading blackout. The allegations concern positive preliminary drilling results that Surge’s head geologist emailed to Harris and others on Sept. 4, 2023. Just over two hours later, Harris asked the corporate secretary to issue a blackout, citing the company’s receipt of material information. The secretary notified directors and staff of the blackout minutes later, but Harris allegedly began selling his family’s shares on Sept. 5. Surge publicly disclosed the drilling results on Sept. 12, 2023, when the blackout was lifted. Harris or his counsel must appear at the BCSC’s offices on Dec. 15, 2026, if he wishes to be heard before a hearing is scheduled.
British Columbia Securities Commission alleges insider trading by Surge Battery Metals chairman during blackout
The British Columbia Securities Commission alleges that Surge Battery Metals Inc. chairman and director Graham Leslie Harris illegally sold 459,600 shares through family members’ accounts during a September 2023 trading blackout. Harris allegedly began selling after receiving positive preliminary drilling results and requesting the blackout, before the results were publicly disclosed.