The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has announced that it has put staff on leave pending an investigation into unnamed transgressions.
Last month, the Acting CFTC Chairman, Caroline Pham, issued a statement on the CFTC Office of Inspector General (OIG) Investigation into Allegations of Telework Violations by a CFTC employee. Pham stated:
“My team became aware of an administrative review of these matters upon taking office in January and immediately asked the OIG to take the lead to avoid any conflicts and ensure independence. The OIG substantiated multiple allegations of wrongdoing, some of which involved criminal violations of law. I’m particularly troubled by the many false statements made under oath to the OIG, and I applaud the diligent work of the investigators to sort out fact from fiction.”
The OIG reported that it had encountered “multiple emerging allegations” regarding misconduct, including leave violations, misleading statements while under oath, and prohibited political activity. At least one individual was said to be working outside the US, which is a violation of CFTC policy.
The agency stated:
“[The CFTC] is committed to holding employees to the highest standards, as expected by American taxpayers. Pursuant to the President’s executive orders on lawful governance and accountability, the CFTC has placed staff on administrative leave for potential violations of laws, government ethics requirements and professional rules of conduct. Investigations are currently ongoing into these matters, and the CFTC will provide updates as appropriate.“
