Under-fire Raj Rajaratnam explains to employees, investors, friends

“As many of you know, we have built our business on the fundamental belief in rigorous investment analysis combined with active trading around core positions. We have encouraged and invited our investors to attend our daily research morning meetings."
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(October 22, New York, Sri Lanka Guardian) Alleged insider-dealing US trader Raj Rajaratnam on Wednesday issued a letter to employees of his Galleon Fund and its investors proclaiming his innocence on charges framed against him by US authorities last week. News of the Sri Lankan-born billionaire’s arrest and subsequent bail has been widely reported in the international media. On Wednesday, the New York Times carried the letter written by Rajaratnam. The full text of the letter is as follows:

October 21, 2009

Dear Galleon Employees, Clients and Friends,

“I have decided that it is now in the best interest of our investors and employees to conduct an orderly wind down of Galleon’s funds while we explore various alternatives for our business. At this important time, I want to reassure investors of the liquidity of our funds and assure Galleon employees that we are seeking the best way to keep together what I believe is the best long / short equity team in the business.”

“As many of you know, we have built our business on the fundamental belief in rigorous investment analysis combined with active trading around core positions. We have encouraged and invited our investors to attend our daily research morning meetings. Many of you have done so and got a first-hand look at our process. This research process is the core of our investment and trading strategy.”

“The privilege of managing investors’ capital is a responsibility that I have always taken very seriously. I want to reiterate that I am innocent of all charges and will defend myself against these accusations with the same intensity and focus I have brought to managing our investors’ capital.”

“For those who have been my partners and supporters over the last 17 years, I sincerely thank you. I also want to thank you for the innumerable expressions of support I have received from you over the past few days. “
-Sri Lanka Guardian