For one thing, the prime brokerages from whom they have margin loans and with whom they are holding these positions would shut them down and liquidate their assets. Just like a normal brokerage.
I have to admit I’m very suspicious of WS these days. I wonder if they could stand close scrutiny by law enforcement?
http://www.fool.com/investing/high-growth/2005/03/24/the-naked-truth-on-illegal-shorting.aspx
I would be very interested in your comments about this article on naked shorts.