A repeat investor in shipping equity deals led by investment bank Maxim Group has been charged with fraud by the US Securities and Exchange Commission for what it said is a long-standing practice of trading violations, including “naked” short-selling of shares.

New Jersey-based Sabby Management and managing partner Hal Mintz have been buyers and sellers of shares in public shipowners including Top Ships, Seanergy Maritime, Castor Maritime, Globus Maritime, Imperial Petroleum and OceanPal.