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*ST元成财务造假期间三年三换会计师 审计意见均为“标准无保留” 资本市场“看门人”失守是否应担责?

Core Viewpoint - The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) has taken strict action against Yuan Cheng Environment Co., Ltd. (*ST Yuan Cheng), imposing fines and banning key personnel due to serious financial fraud, highlighting a zero-tolerance approach to financial misconduct in the capital market [1][4]. Group 1: Financial Fraud Details - The fraudulent activities at *ST Yuan Cheng were systematic, involving inflated project costs and revenues, leading to a total inflated operating cost of 158 million yuan, inflated revenue of 209 million yuan, and inflated profit of 50.46 million yuan from 2020 to 2022 [2][3]. - In 2022, the company failed to adjust its financial records based on the confirmed settlement of the Huaiyin project, resulting in an inflated revenue of 14.16 million yuan and inflated profit of 13.45 million yuan, which constituted 24.6% of the reported profit for that year [2][3]. - The fraudulent financial data was used in a non-public stock issuance in 2022, raising 285 million yuan, which constituted a fraudulent issuance due to the inclusion of false financial information [2][3]. Group 2: Role of Auditors and Underwriters - During the three years of financial fraud, the annual reports received standard unqualified opinions from auditors, raising questions about the effectiveness of their audit procedures and professional skepticism [2][3]. - Haitong Securities, as the underwriter for the 2022 stock issuance, failed to identify and disclose the false financial data, which could lead to administrative penalties, including warnings and fines [3][4]. Group 3: Regulatory Response and Market Implications - The *ST Yuan Cheng case exemplifies the CSRC's stringent stance against financial fraud, with 13 companies facing forced delisting due to serious violations since 2024, marking a historical high [4]. - The regulatory framework is evolving to include a comprehensive accountability system that targets not only the companies but also key individuals and third-party accomplices involved in fraud [4]. - The case serves as a warning to all market participants about the severe consequences of financial fraud, emphasizing the need for vigilance and adherence to ethical practices in the capital market [4][5].