Andrew Left, founder of Citron Research and known short seller, has been charged with 18 counts of securities fraud. The charges stem from allegations that Left engaged in illegal trading activities, including front running and stock manipulation, by making trades before publishing his research and then quickly cashing out during the ensuing market frenzy. The SEC claims Left's actions resulted in $16 million in gains through a 'bait and switch' strategy, promoting stocks while trading the opposite. Left executed 26 trades across major names like Nvidia and GameStop. He surrendered to federal authorities in Los Angeles and pleaded not guilty to the charges. He faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted.