Veteran fraud investigator to leave SEC

Linda Chatman Thomsen, the director of the division of enforcement at the Securities and Exchange Commission who led the Enron investigation, is to return to the private sector.

Thomsen led more than 2,000 enforcement actions and returned billions of dollars to investors, the US markets watchdog said.

She oversaw high-profile financial fraud investigations into companies including AIG, Fannie Mae, Tyco and dozens of insider trading cases.

Thomsen, who joined the SEC in 1995, said: 'Working on the staff of the Commission has been an extraordinary privilege. For nearly 14 years, I have been surrounded by
smart, hardworking, creative, wonderful colleagues who have been devoted to
public service, this agency, and its essential mission of investor protection.'

'There is no higher honor than to serve the public and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to do so during my time at the Commission.'