British lawmakers have called for an investigation into the treatment of whistleblowers by the United Kingdom’s financial regulator, following the death of a former financial trader who had raised concerns about alleged business links between US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Jeffrey Epstein.
Simon Andriesz, a former senior employee of BGC Partners, the international financial brokerage firm founded and previously run by Lutnick, died in Thailand last month.
Earlier this year, Andriesz reportedly raised concerns with the Financial Conduct Authority, the FBI and other regulatory bodies over evidence he said he had uncovered concerning business dealings between Lutnick and Epstein.
The disclosures reportedly raised questions about Lutnick’s previous public statements regarding his association with the late convicted sex offender.
A group of UK MPs has now called for scrutiny of how whistleblowers are treated when they approach the FCA with allegations of wrongdoing and concerns about possible retaliation.
The lawmakers said Andriesz’s death raises “deeply troubling questions” about the protection available to whistleblowers who report concerns to financial regulators.
Andriesz’s family said he died by suicide on September 23, adding that there was no suggestion of foul play.
