Efren Norberto Quiroz Gardea

The SEC has initiated public administrative proceedings against Efren Norberto Quiroz Gardea under Section 15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Gardea, a Mexican citizen residing in Vineyard, Utah, who is not registered with the Commission, was associated with unregistered foreign-based broker-dealers from 2020 to November 2021. He allegedly engaged in unregistered securities transactions in the U.S., managed investor funds in U.S. bank accounts, received commissions, and supervised individuals soliciting U.S. investors. Gardea consented to an Order admitting the Commission’s jurisdiction and findings, based on an Offer of Settlement he submitted. The Commission found that Gardea had violated securities laws and had a judgment entered against him on September 25, 2023. As a result, he is barred from association with any broker, dealer, investment adviser, and other entities, as well as participating in penny stock offerings.