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13 Oct 2009

Hedge Fund Manager's Email Scrutinised For Knowledge of Downturn

The jury selection has begun for the trial of two former Bear Stearns hedge fund managers, Matthew Tannin and Ralph Cioffi, over the alleged hedge fund securities and wire fraud.

Although the prosecution alleges that the hedge fund managers misled investors, they are not being charged with having contributed to the collapse of Bear Stearns. They could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Cioffi is charged with an additional count of insider trading for withdrawing $2m from one of the hedge funds.

Tannin's personal Email, which he used as a diary, is being used to prove that he was worried about a possible "blow up" and was under some stress. The evidence also alleges that he had trouble sleeping and was taking some anti-anxiety medication.

The trial is expected to last six weeks. Tannin and Cioffi have denied the charges.

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