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Last updated - February 9, 2026
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Citron Research, the investment research site run by activist short seller Andrew Left, was cited in a federal indictment alleging a $20 million multi-year market manipulation scheme in which Left used Citron’s website and social media presence to publish misleading stock recommendations aligned with his trading positions
Founder
High Risk
Based on the available data, we advise consumers to avoid this Company altogether.
This advisory is based on an aggregate risk score derived from OSINT, Adverse Media, Reviews, and Risk Factors identified in our research.
You are likely to be at great risk by engaging in any sort of consumer-related activity with this entity.
Medium Risk
Based on the available data, we advise employees to be mindful when considering or continuing work with this Company.
This advisory stems from a medium-risk score compiled from OSINT, Adverse Media, Reviews, and Risk Factors uncovered in our analysis.
Employment with this entity may involve moderate risks.
Based on the available data, we urge investors and bankers to avoid financial involvement with this Company.
This advisory is informed by an aggregate risk score based on OSINT, Adverse Media, Reviews, and Risk Factors identified through our investigation.
Engaging in investment or lending activities with this entity poses a substantial risk to your financial interests.
Safe to Onboard
Enhanced Due Diligence required
Do Not Onboard
Monitor adverse media every 6 months
File SAR (Suspicious Activity Report) is warranted
Escalation to compliance committee
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Citron is known for aggressive activist short-selling, where its reports can trigger sharp stock declines and market volatility.
U.S. authorities have brought criminal and civil actions alleging market manipulation and misleading trading practices tied to published research.
Critics argue Citron has allegedly published negative reports while holding undisclosed or strategically timed trading positions that could benefit from price drops.
The firm has been repeatedly featured in negative press, particularly around allegations of sensationalized reports and their market impact.
Supporters call them investigative, while detractors question their objectivity, methodology, and selective disclosure of information.
Its reputation is polarized—some investors see it as a fraud watchdog, others as a market agitator with a high-risk influence.
Regulatory and Compliance Screening
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What you see here scratches the surface
We offer reward for actionable intel
The SEC charged activist short seller Andrew Left and Citron Capital with a $20M fraud scheme for misleading investors via false trading statements.
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Citron Research and Andrew Left were charged by DOJ and SEC over an alleged $20M scheme using misleading short-seller reports to move stocks.
DOJ case links Citron Research’s to criminal charges alleging securities fraud and market manipulation tied to short-selling activity.
Other Red-Flags and Adverse News
Based on user engagement on this review profile, ProConsumer will decide to publish its Risk Audit report for public if a threshold engagement, traffic and user input is achieved.
Known Assets: [Real estate, investments, companies]
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Liabilities: [Bankruptcies, defaults, debts]
Wealth Sources: [Legitimate / Unclear / High-risk]
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Business Model Assessment
All comments are user-generated content and may not be verified. They represent the personal opinions of the public and should not be relied upon. These comments do not influence or determine our overall rating.
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Highly experienced
Well-recognized name
Faced allegations of scamming others
Allegedly sold fake silver
Sued multiple times
Unregulated industry
Alarming number of complaints online
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