The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has directed a financial influencer, popularly known as a finfluencer, to hand over more than ₹12 crore in illicit earnings accumulated through advisory activities.Ravindra Balu Bharti, the individual in question, has been instructed to transfer the funds into a designated interest-bearing escrow account managed by a nationalized bank. SEBIs order mandates that the escrow account be established with a lien in favor of the regulatory authority, ensuring that the funds cannot be released without SEBIs explicit approval.Who is Ravindra Balu BhartiRavindra Bharti Education Institute Pvt. Ltd (RBEIPL), founded by Ravindra Balu Bharti and his wife Shubhangi Bharti in 2016, primarily focuses on providing training and education related to stock market trading.Ravindra Bharti operates two YouTube channels, Bharti Share Market Marathi and Bharti Share Market - Hindi, with substantial subscriber bases.SEBIs interim order pertains to an unregistered investment advisory named Ravindra Bharti Education Institute Private Ltd (RBEIPL), its former director Ravindra Balu Bharti, his wife Shubhangi Bharti, and current directors Rahul Ananta Gosavi and Dhanashri Chandrakant Gosavi.The investigation revealed that the respondents must cease offering investment advisory services and refrain from engaging in securities transactions until further notice.SEBI seizes over Rs 12 croreThe order mandates the seizure of ₹12,03,82,130.91, representing the total illicit gains accrued from the alleged unregistered investment advisory activities conducted by Ravindra Bharti Education Institute Private Limited.SEBI emphaiszes its motiveSEBI emphasizes its commitment to safeguarding investors interests and maintaining market integrity. The regulator aims to curb deceptive practices that undermine investor confidence, such as falsely promising returns of up to 1000%.The order also sheds light on the importance of transparency and disclosure in sustaining investors confidence and ensuring the integrity of Indias capital markets. It underscores the need for stringent measures to protect investors from fraudulent schemes and misleading practices.
