GE$$s position is that Markopolos$$ claims were for the benefit of those shorting GE$$s stock. What ethical responsibility does Markopolos have when releasing a report that could potentially impact the future of a company and its investors?

Should Markopolos have reported his claims to a regulatory agency before posting his research online? What benefits or consequences could result from this action?

What ethical philosophies was Markopolos exhibiting in reporting the potential fraud at GE$?$ What role did previous fraud cases play in his decision to report the fraud?

What impact could Markopolos$$ claims have on the reputation of KPMG$,$ who is GE$$s auditor? Should accounting firms be expected to detect all instances of fraud when performing audits of companies?

Had Markopolos taken his research to the SEC, what kind of benefits could he have received? What might have been his reason for releasing this report publicly instead of discussing with the SEC first? Are there any ethical implications from this decision?