Title: Belgian National Sentenced for Insider Trading Scheme Involving Cheniere Energy, Inc.

NICHOLAS ZANEN, a Belgian National, Sentenced for Insider Trading

A Belgian national, NICHOLAS ZANEN, 46, was sentenced on Thursday, October 1, 20XX in a Hartford federal court.
Zanen was sentenced to 15 months in prison and a fine of $6,000 for his role in an insider trading scheme involving the Houston-based energy company, Cheniere Energy, Inc. (LNG).
The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson.

Zanen, a vice president of trading in Cheniere’s United Kingdom Branch, had access to confidential, non-public information about Cheniere’s business activities.
Instead of adhering to his employer’s policies and ethical obligations, Zanen shared this inside information with a friend, FRANCIS J. VAN STEENBERGE.
He instructed Van Steenberge on when to buy or sell Cheniere securities accordingly.
The duo managed to amass roughly $1 million through this illicit scheme.

Zanen and Van Steenberge both falsified statements to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), denying any knowledge of Van Steenberge’s source of information regarding Cheniere’s business activities.

In June 2014, Zanen was indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and three counts of securities fraud by a federal grand jury in New Haven.
He was arrested and extradited to the U.S. in 2019.
Zanen pleaded guilty to the charge on August 12, 2019.
Another individual, Van Steenberge, admitted to the same offense in April 2014 and is awaiting sentencing.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has previously filed a lawsuit against Zanen and Van Steenberge.
Zanen has paid a total of $832,398.45 in disgorgement, interest, and penalties.

The lead investigative agency in this case is the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry is prosecuting the matter.

U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut, John H. Durham, expressed his gratitude for the assistance provided by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and former DOJ Rome Attache, Cristina Posa.
Durham reaffirmed the Justice Department’s commitment to safeguarding capital market integrity and upholding securities laws.

Any individuals who feel they have been victimized by this insider trading scheme are encouraged to contact the FBI in New Haven at 203-777-6311.