A former Google employee has been accused of exploiting confidential company data to amass a substantial fortune.

According to the US Securities and Exchange Commission, the individual used non-public information about Alphabet Inc.’s financial performance to make high-stakes bets on the stock market. The alleged scheme reportedly generated approximately $1.2 million in profits for the employee over several years. The SEC claims that the employee had access to sensitive data through their position at Google, including information about the company’s advertising revenue and other key business metrics. They allegedly used this inside knowledge to inform their investment decisions and place profitable trades on Alphabet Inc.’s stock. The case highlights the risks of insider trading and the importance of maintaining confidentiality in the tech industry. An investigation by the SEC found that the employee had breached US securities laws, which prohibit individuals from using material non-public information for personal gain.