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| status = Released May 18, 2022; completed supervised release September 2022
| status = Released May 18, 2022; completed supervised release September 2022
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'''Martin Shkreli''' (born March 17, 1983) is an American businessman, former hedge fund manager, and convicted felon who became widely known as "Pharma Bro" after his company Turing Pharmaceuticals raised the price of the antiparasitic drug Daraprim by more than 5,000 percent in 2015. He was convicted in 2017 of securities fraud related to his hedge funds and sentenced to seven years in federal prison. In a separate civil antitrust case, he was banned for life from the pharmaceutical industry and ordered to pay $64.6 million in disgorgement. Shkreli was released from prison in May 2022 after serving approximately five years.
 
'''Martin Shkreli''' (born March 17, 1983) is an American businessman, former hedge fund manager, and convicted felon who became widely known as "Pharma Bro" after his company Turing Pharmaceuticals raised the price of the antiparasitic drug Daraprim by more than 5,000 percent in 2015. He was convicted in 2017 of securities fraud related to his hedge funds and sentenced to seven years in federal prison. A separate civil antitrust case resulted in a lifetime ban from the pharmaceutical industry and a $64.6 million disgorgement order. Shkreli was released from prison in May 2022 after serving roughly five years.


== Background ==
== Background ==
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=== Early Life ===
=== Early Life ===


Shkreli was born on March 17, 1983, at Coney Island Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. His parents were Roman Catholic Albanians who had emigrated from Albania and worked as janitors.<ref name="biography-shkreli">Biography.com, "Martin Shkreli," https://www.biography.com/business-leaders/martin-shkreli.</ref> His family descends from the Shkreli tribe in Albania. He was raised in a working-class community in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, with two sisters and a brother. Shkreli was raised Catholic and attended Sunday school as a child.
Shkreli was born on March 17, 1983, at Coney Island Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. His parents were Roman Catholic Albanians who had emigrated from Albania and worked as janitors.<ref name="biography-shkreli">Biography.com, "Martin Shkreli," https://www.biography.com/business-leaders/martin-shkreli.</ref> The Shkreli family traces its roots to the Shkreli tribe in Albania. He grew up in a working-class neighborhood in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, alongside two sisters and a brother. His childhood included Catholic upbringing and regular Sunday school attendance.


Shkreli once declared himself "the most successful Albanian to ever walk the face of this earth."<ref name="usnews">U.S. News & World Report. "10 Things You Didn't Know About Martin Shkreli." September 14, 2017. https://www.usnews.com/news/national-news/articles/2017-09-14/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-martin-shkreli</ref>
At one point, Shkreli declared himself "the most successful Albanian to ever walk the face of this earth."<ref name="usnews">U.S. News & World Report. "10 Things You Didn't Know About Martin Shkreli." September 14, 2017. https://www.usnews.com/news/national-news/articles/2017-09-14/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-martin-shkreli</ref>


=== Education ===
=== Education ===


Shkreli attended Hunter College High School, an elite public institution for gifted students in New York City. Sources differ on whether Shkreli graduated from Hunter or was expelled before his senior year and received the credits necessary for his high school diploma through City-As-School High School.<ref name="biography-shkreli"/>
Shkreli attended Hunter College High School. That's an elite public institution for gifted students in New York City. The record's unclear on one point: did he actually graduate from Hunter, or was he expelled before senior year and finish his diploma through City-As-School High School instead?<ref name="biography-shkreli"/>


He received a bachelor's degree in business administration from Baruch College in 2004, with a focus on finance. While still in college, he secured an internship at the hedge fund Cramer, Berkowitz & Co. at age 17, marking his entry into Wall Street.<ref name="grok">Grokipedia. "Martin Shkreli." https://grokipedia.com/page/Martin_Shkreli</ref> Early influences included a family member's battle with treatment-resistant depression, which sparked Shkreli's interest in pharmaceuticals and the challenges of drug development for rare conditions. His affinity for finance emerged young—he purchased his first stock shares in Compaq at age 12.<ref name="biography-shkreli"/>
He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Baruch College in 2004, specializing in finance. Even before graduating, he landed an internship at Cramer, Berkowitz & Co., a hedge fund, at just 17 years old. That's how he broke into Wall Street. Early influences mattered. A family member's struggle with treatment-resistant depression sparked his interest in pharmaceuticals and the challenges of developing treatments for rare diseases. He'd also been entrepreneurial from an early age: he bought his first stock shares in Compaq when he was just 12.<ref name="biography-shkreli"/>


== Early Career ==
== Early Career ==
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=== Wall Street ===
=== Wall Street ===


Shkreli began his career at Cramer, Berkowitz & Co., the hedge fund managed by Jim Cramer (later host of CNBC's "Mad Money"), in early 2000 while still attending Baruch College. During his tenure there, Shkreli recommended short-selling the stock of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, a biotech company testing a weight-loss drug. When its price dropped in accordance with Shkreli's prediction, Cramer's hedge fund profited. The trade drew the attention of the Securities and Exchange Commission, which investigated Shkreli but was unable to prove wrongdoing.<ref name="biography-shkreli"/>
In early 2000, while still attending Baruch College, Shkreli began working at Cramer, Berkowitz & Co., the hedge fund run by Jim Cramer (who'd later become famous as host of CNBC's "Mad Money"). He made a bold recommendation to short Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, a biotech company testing a weight-loss drug. The stock dropped as he predicted. Cramer's fund cashed in on the trade. The SEC took notice and investigated Shkreli but found no evidence of wrongdoing to prosecute.<ref name="biography-shkreli"/>


After four years as an associate at Cramer Berkowitz, Shkreli worked as a financial analyst for Intrepid Capital Management and UBS Wealth Management.
He spent four years as an associate at Cramer Berkowitz. After that, he worked as a financial analyst for both Intrepid Capital Management and UBS Wealth Management.


=== Elea Capital Management ===
=== Elea Capital Management ===


In 2006, Shkreli started his first hedge fund, Elea Capital Management. In 2007, Lehman Brothers sued Elea in New York state court for failing to cover a put option transaction in which Shkreli bet wrong on a broad market decline. When stocks rose, Shkreli did not have the money to cover his losses. Lehman won the case in October 2007, but the organization collapsed before receiving the dues.<ref name="famous">The Famous People. "Martin Shkreli Biography." https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/martin-shkreli-51824.php</ref>
Shkreli founded his first hedge fund, Elea Capital Management, in 2006. By 2007, things fell apart fast. Lehman Brothers sued Elea in New York state court over a failed put option transaction. Shkreli had bet on a broad market decline. When stocks rose instead, he didn't have the cash to cover his losses. Lehman won in October 2007. But the firm collapsed before Shkreli could pay what he owed.<ref name="famous">The Famous People. "Martin Shkreli Biography." https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/martin-shkreli-51824.php</ref>


=== MSMB Capital Management ===
=== MSMB Capital Management ===


In September 2009, Shkreli launched MSMB Capital Management along with childhood friend and portfolio manager Marek Biestek. The hedge fund focused on biotech and pharmaceutical companies. According to prosecutors, Shkreli lied to investors about how well the funds were performing and sent newsletters touting profits of nearly 40% even after the fund experienced huge losses in 2011 and stopped trading.<ref name="cnn">CNN. "Martin Shkreli sentenced to 7 years in prison for fraud." March 9, 2018. https://money.cnn.com/2018/03/09/news/martin-shkreli-sentencing/index.html</ref>
In September 2009, Shkreli and childhood friend Marek Biestek, a portfolio manager, started MSMB Capital Management together. The hedge fund focused on biotech and pharmaceutical stocks. Prosecutors later claimed that Shkreli lied to investors about fund performance, sending newsletters touting nearly 40% gains even after the fund took massive losses in 2011 and shut down trading.<ref name="cnn">CNN. "Martin Shkreli sentenced to 7 years in prison for fraud." March 9, 2018. https://money.cnn.com/2018/03/09/news/martin-shkreli-sentencing/index.html</ref>


=== Retrophin ===
=== Retrophin ===


In 2011, Shkreli co-founded Retrophin, a biotechnology company focused on rare diseases. The company was named after recombinant dystrophin, a protein missing in patients with muscular dystrophy. Shkreli served as CEO until 2014, when he was ousted by the board of directors amid allegations of financial misconduct. According to prosecutors, Shkreli used stock and cash from publicly traded Retrophin to pay off duped hedge fund investors and to cover personal loans and other debts.<ref name="cnbc-guilty">CNBC. "'Pharma bro' Martin Shkreli found guilty of 3 of 8 charges, including securities fraud." August 4, 2017. https://www.cnbc.com/2017/08/04/pharma-bro-martin-shkreli-convicted-in-federal-fraud-case.html</ref>
In 2011, Shkreli co-founded Retrophin. It's a biotechnology company focused on rare diseases. The name came from recombinant dystrophin, a protein that's missing in people with muscular dystrophy. He served as CEO until 2014, when the board ousted him over allegations of financial misconduct. Prosecutors said Shkreli siphoned stock and cash from publicly traded Retrophin to repay defrauded hedge fund investors and cover personal loans.<ref name="cnbc-guilty">CNBC. "'Pharma bro' Martin Shkreli found guilty of 3 of 8 charges, including securities fraud." August 4, 2017. https://www.cnbc.com/2017/08/04/pharma-bro-martin-shkreli-convicted-in-federal-fraud-case.html</ref>


In 2012, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) accused Shkreli of attempting to manipulate the FDA for his own profit after he filed multiple requests with the Food and Drug Administration to reject products from companies he had publicly shorted.<ref name="yahoo">Yahoo Finance. "Here's everything you need to know about Martin Shkreli." December 18, 2015. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/here-s-everything-you-need-to-know-about-martin-shkreli-194819256.html</ref>
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) accused Shkreli in 2012 of trying to manipulate the FDA for profit. He'd filed multiple requests asking the agency to reject products from companies he had publicly shorted.<ref name="yahoo">Yahoo Finance. "Here's everything you need to know about Martin Shkreli." December 18, 2015. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/here-s-everything-you-need-to-know-about-martin-shkreli-194819256.html</ref>


== Turing Pharmaceuticals and the Daraprim Controversy ==
== Turing Pharmaceuticals and the Daraprim Controversy ==
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=== Founding and Daraprim Acquisition ===
=== Founding and Daraprim Acquisition ===


In February 2015, Shkreli founded Turing Pharmaceuticals (later renamed Vyera Pharmaceuticals). In August 2015, the company acquired the U.S. marketing rights to Daraprim (pyrimethamine) from Impax Laboratories for $55 million. Daraprim, first approved by the FDA in 1953, is an antiparasitic medication used to treat toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection that poses serious and often life-threatening consequences for those with compromised immune systems, including babies born to infected mothers and individuals with HIV/AIDS.<ref name="ftc">Federal Trade Commission. "Statement on Second Circuit Order Upholding 'Pharma Bro' Martin Shkreli's Lifetime Ban." January 23, 2024. https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/01/statement-second-circuit-order-upholding-pharma-bro-martin-shkrelis-lifetime-ban</ref>
Shkreli founded Turing Pharmaceuticals in February 2015 (later renamed Vyera Pharmaceuticals). In August 2015, the company acquired the U.S. marketing rights to Daraprim (pyrimethamine) from Impax Laboratories for $55 million. Daraprim got FDA approval back in 1953. It's an antiparasitic medication used to treat toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection that can be serious and even life-threatening for people with weakened immune systems. That includes babies born to infected mothers and people living with HIV/AIDS.<ref name="ftc">Federal Trade Commission. "Statement on Second Circuit Order Upholding 'Pharma Bro' Martin Shkreli's Lifetime Ban." January 23, 2024. https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/01/statement-second-circuit-order-upholding-pharma-bro-martin-shkrelis-lifetime-ban</ref>


=== Price Increase ===
=== Price Increase ===


In September 2015, Turing raised the price of Daraprim from $13.50 per pill to $750 per pill—an increase of more than 5,000 percent (or approximately 4,000 percent from the $17.50 price some sources cite).<ref name="abc">ABC News. "Judge upholds 'Pharma Bro' Martin Shkreli's ban from pharmaceutical industry." January 23, 2024. https://abcnews.go.com/Business/judge-upholds-pharma-bro-martin-shkrelis-ban-pharmaceutical/story?id=106612918</ref> At the time, Daraprim was the only FDA-approved drug for the treatment of toxoplasmosis.
In September 2015, Turing raised Daraprim's price from $13.50 per pill to $750 per pill. That's a jump of more than 5,000 percent (or roughly 4,000 percent if you start from the $17.50 that some sources cite).<ref name="abc">ABC News. "Judge upholds 'Pharma Bro' Martin Shkreli's ban from pharmaceutical industry." January 23, 2024. https://abcnews.go.com/Business/judge-upholds-pharma-bro-martin-shkrelis-ban-pharmaceutical/story?id=106612918</ref> At that moment, Daraprim was the only FDA-approved drug for treating toxoplasmosis.


The price hike generated immediate nationwide outrage. Critics including Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, and Donald Trump condemned the decision. Shkreli became known as "Pharma Bro" and was dubbed "the most hated man in America."<ref name="ceo">CEO Today Magazine. "Martin Shkreli: From Pharma Star to Prison Cell." April 28, 2025. https://www.ceotodaymagazine.com/2025/04/martin-shkreli-from-pharma-star-to-prison-cell/</ref>
The reaction was immediate and explosive. Critics including Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, and Donald Trump condemned the move. Shkreli earned the nickname "Pharma Bro" and became known as "the most hated man in America."<ref name="ceo">CEO Today Magazine. "Martin Shkreli: From Pharma Star to Prison Cell." April 28, 2025. https://www.ceotodaymagazine.com/2025/04/martin-shkreli-from-pharma-star-to-prison-cell/</ref>


=== Anticompetitive Scheme ===
=== Anticompetitive Scheme ===


Beyond the price increase, Shkreli and Turing implemented an anticompetitive scheme to prevent generic competition. The company established restrictive distribution contracts and exclusive supply agreements designed to delay and impede generic competitors from entering the market. These practices ensured that hospitals, patients, and others had to pay "exorbitant prices or otherwise be forced to make difficult treatment decisions" because they couldn't access alternative treatments.<ref name="fierce">Fierce Pharma. "Shkreli hit with $64.6M verdict, lifetime pharma ban in antitrust case." January 14, 2022. https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/shrekli-hit-64-6m-verdict-lifetime-pharma-ban-antitrust-case</ref>
The price hike wasn't the whole story. Shkreli and Turing also ran an anticompetitive scheme designed to block generic competition. They set up restrictive distribution contracts and exclusive supply agreements meant to slow down and prevent generic competitors from entering the market. The result was brutal: hospitals, patients, and others had to pay "exorbitant prices or otherwise be forced to make difficult treatment decisions" because they couldn't access alternatives.<ref name="fierce">Fierce Pharma. "Shkreli hit with $64.6M verdict, lifetime pharma ban in antitrust case." January 14, 2022. https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/shrekli-hit-64-6m-verdict-lifetime-pharma-ban-antitrust-case</ref>


== Federal Criminal Case ==
== Federal Criminal Case ==
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=== Arrest and Indictment ===
=== Arrest and Indictment ===


On December 17, 2015, Shkreli was arrested by the FBI on charges unrelated to the Daraprim price hike. He was charged with securities fraud, securities fraud conspiracy, and wire fraud conspiracy related to his management of MSMB Capital Management, MSMB Healthcare, and Retrophin.<ref name="yahoo"/>
On December 17, 2015, the FBI arrested Shkreli. The charges had nothing to do with Daraprim. Instead, prosecutors charged him with securities fraud, securities fraud conspiracy, and wire fraud conspiracy related to how he ran MSMB Capital Management, MSMB Healthcare, and Retrophin.<ref name="yahoo"/>


Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Robert Capers described the charges as "a trifecta of lies, deceit and greed," accusing Shkreli of treating MSMB Capital and Retrophin "like a personal piggy bank" and running "a Ponzi scheme."<ref name="yahoo"/>
Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Robert Capers called it "a trifecta of lies, deceit and greed." He said Shkreli treated MSMB Capital and Retrophin "like a personal piggy bank" and ran "a Ponzi scheme."<ref name="yahoo"/>


=== Trial and Conviction ===
=== Trial and Conviction ===


Shkreli's six-week trial took place in Brooklyn federal court in the summer of 2017. On August 4, 2017, a jury found Shkreli guilty of:
The trial lasted six weeks in Brooklyn federal court during the summer of 2017. On August 4, 2017, a jury found Shkreli guilty of:
* Two counts of securities fraud (for defrauding investors in MSMB Capital Management and MSMB Healthcare)
* Two counts of securities fraud (for defrauding MSMB Capital Management and MSMB Healthcare investors)
* One count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud (in connection with manipulating stock shares of Retrophin)
* One count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud (involving manipulation of Retrophin stock)


He was acquitted of five other counts, including wire fraud conspiracy—what his attorney called "the money count."<ref name="cnbc-guilty"/>
He was acquitted of five other counts. Wire fraud conspiracy went unpunished. His attorney called that "the money count."<ref name="cnbc-guilty"/>


Evidence at trial revealed that between 2009 and 2014, Shkreli lied to investors about the performance of his hedge funds, made losing bets on biotech stocks, and then improperly used Retrophin stock and cash to pay back investors. All of his hedge fund investors ultimately received more than they originally invested—but only because Shkreli had embezzled funds from Retrophin to pay them back.<ref name="doj">U.S. Department of Justice. "Martin Shkreli Sentenced to Seven Years' Imprisonment for Multi-Million Dollar Fraud Scheme." March 9, 2018. https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/martin-shkreli-sentenced-seven-years-imprisonment-multi-million-dollar-fraud-scheme</ref>
Trial evidence showed that between 2009 and 2014, Shkreli lied to investors about how his hedge funds were performing. He made losing bets on biotech stocks. Then he improperly dipped into Retrophin stock and cash to pay investors back. His hedge fund investors ultimately received more than they originally invested. But only because he'd stolen it from Retrophin.<ref name="doj">U.S. Department of Justice. "Martin Shkreli Sentenced to Seven Years' Imprisonment for Multi-Million Dollar Fraud Scheme." March 9, 2018. https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/martin-shkreli-sentenced-seven-years-imprisonment-multi-million-dollar-fraud-scheme</ref>


Witnesses at trial painted a picture of Shkreli as a complicated person who could inspire grand visions of life-saving pharmaceutical treatments while also frustrating people with his habit of playing fast and loose with facts. Several witnesses testified to Shkreli's brilliance, or even genius, as well as his tendency toward depression and self-sabotage.<ref name="cnbc-sent">CNBC. "'Pharma bro' Martin Shkreli sentenced to 7 years in prison — says, 'This is my fault.'" March 9, 2018. https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/09/pharma-bro-martin-shkreli-sentenced-to-7-years-in-prison.html</ref>
Witnesses painted a complicated portrait. Shkreli could inspire grand visions of life-saving treatments while frustrating people with his loose relationship to facts. Some witnesses described him as brilliant, even genius. Others talked about his depression and self-sabotage.<ref name="cnbc-sent">CNBC. "'Pharma bro' Martin Shkreli sentenced to 7 years in prison — says, 'This is my fault.'" March 9, 2018. https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/09/pharma-bro-martin-shkreli-sentenced-to-7-years-in-prison.html</ref>


=== Bail Revocation ===
=== Bail Revocation ===


Following his conviction, Shkreli was released on $5 million bail. However, on September 13, 2017, his bail was revoked after he posted on Facebook offering $5,000 for a strand of Hillary Clinton's hair during her book tour, which the judge perceived as solicitation to assault. Shkreli claimed the post was satire, and his lawyer described it as "tasteless but not a threat."<ref name="biography-shkreli"/> Judge Kiyo Matsumoto determined that Shkreli represented a danger and sent him to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn to await sentencing.
After conviction, Shkreli was released on $5 million bail. That changed on September 13, 2017. He posted on Facebook offering $5,000 for a strand of Hillary Clinton's hair during her book tour. The judge saw it as solicitation to assault. Shkreli claimed satire. His lawyer called it "tasteless but not a threat."<ref name="biography-shkreli"/> Judge Kiyo Matsumoto decided he was dangerous and sent him to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn to await sentencing.


=== Sentencing ===
=== Sentencing ===


Shkreli was sentenced on March 9, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto. Federal sentencing guidelines had suggested a prison term of decades due to Judge Matsumoto's finding that the losses from Shkreli's crimes totaled $10.4 million.<ref name="cnbc-sent"/>
Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto sentenced Shkreli on March 9, 2018. Federal sentencing guidelines suggested decades due to a $10.4 million loss total.<ref name="cnbc-sent"/>


During sentencing, Shkreli broke into tears and apologized to his investors:
In court, Shkreli broke down crying and apologized to his investors:
* "I look back and I'm embarrassed and ashamed."
* "I look back and I'm embarrassed and ashamed."
* "I am terribly sorry. I lost your trust."
* "I am terribly sorry. I lost your trust."
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* "The one person to blame for me being here today is me. There is no conspiracy to take down Martin Shkreli. I took down Martin Shkreli with my disgraceful and shameful actions."<ref name="nbc">NBC News. "'Pharma Bro' Martin Shkreli sentenced to seven years in prison." March 10, 2018. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/pharma-bro-martin-shkreli-sentenced-seven-years-defrauding-investors-n854241</ref>
* "The one person to blame for me being here today is me. There is no conspiracy to take down Martin Shkreli. I took down Martin Shkreli with my disgraceful and shameful actions."<ref name="nbc">NBC News. "'Pharma Bro' Martin Shkreli sentenced to seven years in prison." March 10, 2018. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/pharma-bro-martin-shkreli-sentenced-seven-years-defrauding-investors-n854241</ref>


Prosecutors had sought 15 years; Shkreli's defense had requested 12 to 18 months plus community service and mandatory therapy. Judge Matsumoto sentenced Shkreli to:
Prosecutors had asked for 15 years. His defense team requested 12 to 18 months plus community service and mandatory therapy. Judge Matsumoto imposed:
* 84 months (7 years) in federal prison
* 84 months (7 years) in federal prison
* $75,000 fine
* $75,000 fine
* $7.36 million in forfeiture
* $7.36 million in forfeiture


Judge Matsumoto said Shkreli seemed "genuinely remorseful" but faulted him for having "repeatedly minimized" his misconduct.<ref name="biography-shkreli"/>
She said Shkreli seemed "genuinely remorseful" but criticized him for "repeatedly minimized" his crimes.<ref name="biography-shkreli"/>


=== Forfeited Assets ===
=== Forfeited Assets ===


As part of the forfeiture judgment, Shkreli was ordered to surrender several notable assets:
The forfeiture judgment required Shkreli to surrender several striking assets:
* The "Once Upon a Time in Shaolin" album by Wu-Tang Clan, which Shkreli had purchased for $2 million at auction in 2015—the only copy in existence
* The "Once Upon a Time in Shaolin" album by Wu-Tang Clan, which he'd bought for $2 million at auction in 2015 as the only copy in existence
* "Tha Carter V" album by Lil Wayne
* "Tha Carter V" album by Lil Wayne
* A Picasso painting
* A Picasso painting
* A $5 million stock account used as bail collateral
* A $5 million stock account posted as bail collateral


The Wu-Tang Clan album was sold at auction in 2021 for an undisclosed amount (later revealed to be approximately $4.75 million to PleasrDAO, a cryptocurrency collective) to raise funds for reimbursing victims.<ref name="biography-shkreli"/>
The Wu-Tang Clan album sold at auction in 2021 (later reported at roughly $4.75 million to PleasrDAO, a cryptocurrency collective) to compensate victims.<ref name="biography-shkreli"/>


== FTC Antitrust Case ==
== FTC Antitrust Case ==
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=== Lawsuit ===
=== Lawsuit ===


In January 2020, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), New York Attorney General Letitia James, and six other states (California, Illinois, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia) filed a civil antitrust lawsuit against Shkreli, Vyera Pharmaceuticals, and CEO Kevin Mulleady for anticompetitive conduct related to Daraprim.<ref name="nyag">New York Attorney General. "'Pharma Bro No More': Attorney General James Scores Court Victory Against Convicted Criminal Martin Shkreli." January 14, 2022. https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2022/pharma-bro-no-more-attorney-general-james-scores-court-victory-against-convicted</ref>
The Federal Trade Commission filed a civil antitrust lawsuit in January 2020. New York Attorney General Letitia James joined forces, as did six states: California, Illinois, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. They sued Shkreli, Vyera Pharmaceuticals, and CEO Kevin Mulleady for anticompetitive conduct tied to Daraprim.<ref name="nyag">New York Attorney General. "'Pharma Bro No More': Attorney General James Scores Court Victory Against Convicted Criminal Martin Shkreli." January 14, 2022. https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2022/pharma-bro-no-more-attorney-general-james-scores-court-victory-against-convicted</ref>


The lawsuit alleged that Shkreli orchestrated an illegal scheme to maintain a monopoly on Daraprim by:
The lawsuit claimed Shkreli orchestrated an illegal monopoly scheme. He restricted distribution through selective contracts. He locked up supply agreements to block generics from getting samples. Competition died. Monopoly profits survived.
* Entering restrictive distribution contracts to limit access to the drug
* Establishing exclusive supply agreements to prevent generic competitors from obtaining samples
* Deliberately blocking competition to protect monopoly profits


=== Verdict ===
=== Verdict ===


Following a seven-day trial in December 2021, U.S. District Judge Denise Cote ruled in January 2022 that Shkreli had violated federal and state antitrust laws. The court found that Shkreli's conduct was "egregious, deliberate, repetitive, long-running, and ultimately dangerous."<ref name="nyag"/>
A seven-day trial in December 2021 was followed by a January 2022 ruling from U.S. District Judge Denise Cote. She found Shkreli had violated federal and state antitrust laws. His conduct was "egregious, deliberate, repetitive, long-running, and ultimately dangerous."<ref name="nyag"/>


Judge Cote imposed:
Judge Cote ordered:
* A lifetime ban from participating in the pharmaceutical industry in any capacity
* A lifetime ban from the pharmaceutical industry in any capacity
* $64.6 million in disgorgement (representing excess profits from the anticompetitive scheme)
* $64.6 million in disgorgement (excess profits from the anticompetitive scheme)


Vyera and Mulleady entered into a consent order settling the claims against them, requiring the company to pay up to $40 million, banning Mulleady from the pharmaceutical industry for seven years, and requiring Vyera to make Daraprim available to generic competitors at list price.<ref name="fierce"/>
Vyera and Mulleady settled, paying up to $40 million, with Mulleady banned for seven years from pharma. Vyera had to make Daraprim available to generic competitors at list price.<ref name="fierce"/>


=== Appeals ===
=== Appeals ===


Shkreli appealed the lifetime ban and $64.6 million penalty, arguing the injunction was "vague and overbroad." In January 2024, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the district court's ruling, finding that "[g]iven Shkreli's pattern of past misconduct, the obvious likelihood of its recurrence, and the life-threatening nature of its results," the lifetime ban was appropriate.<ref name="abc"/>
Shkreli appealed the lifetime ban and $64.6 million penalty. He argued the injunction was "vague and overbroad." In January 2024, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals disagreed, upholding the ruling because "[g]iven Shkreli's pattern of past misconduct, the obvious likelihood of its recurrence, and the life-threatening nature of its results," the lifetime ban made sense.<ref name="abc"/>


In October 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Shkreli's appeal, effectively finalizing the lifetime pharmaceutical ban and $64.6 million penalty.<ref name="cnbc-sc">CNBC. "Supreme Court rejects Martin Shkreli appeal on pharma fine." October 7, 2024. https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2024/10/07/supreme-court-martin-shkreli-appeal-rejected-fine.html</ref>
In October 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear Shkreli's appeal. That locked in the lifetime pharmaceutical ban and the $64.6 million penalty for good.<ref name="cnbc-sc">CNBC. "Supreme Court rejects Martin Shkreli appeal on pharma fine." October 7, 2024. https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2024/10/07/supreme-court-martin-shkreli-appeal-rejected-fine.html</ref>


=== SEC Case ===
=== SEC Case ===


Separately, in February 2022, U.S. District Judge Kiyo Matsumoto granted the SEC's motion ordering Shkreli to pay a $1.39 million civil penalty for violating securities laws between 2009 and 2014 and banned him for life from serving as an officer or director of any publicly traded company.<ref name="biography-shkreli"/>
In February 2022, U.S. District Judge Kiyo Matsumoto granted the SEC's motion. Shkreli had to pay a $1.39 million civil penalty for violating securities laws between 2009 and 2014 and was banned for life from serving as an officer or director of any publicly traded company.<ref name="biography-shkreli"/>


== Incarceration and Release ==
== Incarceration and Release ==
A New Yorker report in April 2026 cited Shkreli among the former high-profile inmates who had passed through MDC Brooklyn. That facility has held some of the most publicly recognized defendants in recent federal court history.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newyorker.com/news/the-lede/what-nicolas-maduros-life-is-like-in-a-notorious-brooklyn-jail|title=What Nicolás Maduro's Life Is Like in a Notorious Brooklyn Jail|work=The New Yorker|date=April 2026|access-date=April 21, 2026}}</ref>


=== Prison ===
=== Prison ===


Following his bail revocation in September 2017, Shkreli was held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. After sentencing in March 2018, he was transferred to FCI Fort Dix (a low-security facility in New Jersey) after his request to serve at the federal prison camp at USP Canaan was denied. He was later transferred to FCC Allenwood in Pennsylvania.<ref name="biography-shkreli"/>
Following his bail revocation in September 2017, Shkreli was held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. After sentencing in March 2018, he transferred to FCI Fort Dix (a low-security facility in New Jersey) after his request for the federal prison camp at USP Canaan was denied. Later he moved to FCC Allenwood in Pennsylvania.<ref name="biography-shkreli"/>


In 2019, Shkreli was transferred to solitary confinement after prison authorities discovered he was using a contraband smartphone to conduct business from prison, including reportedly directing operations at Vyera Pharmaceuticals and firing an executive.<ref name="biography-shkreli"/>
In 2019, prison authorities discovered he was using a contraband smartphone to conduct business. He was reportedly running Vyera Pharmaceuticals operations and firing executives from his cell. So they put him in solitary confinement.<ref name="biography-shkreli"/>


In April 2020, Shkreli sought compassionate release during the COVID-19 pandemic, claiming he should be allowed to help develop a remedy for COVID-19. The request was denied.
In April 2020, Shkreli sought compassionate release during the COVID-19 pandemic. He claimed he could help develop a COVID-19 remedy. The request was denied.


=== Release ===
=== Release ===


On May 18, 2022, Shkreli was released from Allenwood prison and transferred to a Bureau of Prisons halfway house, having completed all programs that allowed for his sentence to be shortened. He was released from the halfway house in September 2022.<ref name="biography-shkreli"/>
On May 18, 2022, Shkreli was released from Allenwood prison and transferred to a Bureau of Prisons halfway house. He'd completed all the programs that allow sentence reductions. He was released from the halfway house in September 2022.<ref name="biography-shkreli"/>


Following his release, Shkreli lived with his sister in Queens and earned $2,500 per month as a consultant for a small law firm, though he later indicated he had additional income from software ventures.<ref name="biography-shkreli"/>
After release, Shkreli lived with his sister in Queens and earned $2,500 per month as a consultant for a small law firm. He indicated later that he had additional income from software ventures.<ref name="biography-shkreli"/>


== Post-Release Activities ==
== Post-Release Activities ==
Line 170: Line 170:
=== Druglike ===
=== Druglike ===


In July 2022, shortly after his release from prison, Shkreli announced the founding of Druglike, described as a "Web3 drug discovery software platform." The company claims to provide cloud-based, decentralized computing resources for early-stage drug discovery projects using blockchain technology and a cryptocurrency called Martin Shkreli Inu (MSI).<ref name="register">The Register. "Jailed pharma bro Martin Shkreli now pushes Web3 venture." July 27, 2022. https://www.theregister.com/2022/07/26/martin_shkreli_out_of_prison/</ref>
Shortly after his release from prison in July 2022, Shkreli announced Druglike. He described it as a "Web3 drug discovery software platform." The company claims to offer cloud-based, decentralized computing resources for early-stage drug discovery using blockchain technology and a cryptocurrency called Martin Shkreli Inu (MSI).<ref name="register">The Register. "Jailed pharma bro Martin Shkreli now pushes Web3 venture." July 27, 2022. https://www.theregister.com/2022/07/26/martin-shkreli-out-of-prison/</ref>


The venture drew immediate scrutiny. Attorneys general in New York and North Carolina announced they were investigating whether Druglike violated Shkreli's lifetime pharmaceutical industry ban, though Druglike stated it is "not a pharmaceutical company" and is "not engaged in pharmaceutical research or drug development."<ref name="fortune-d">Fortune. "'Pharma bro' Martin Shkreli is fresh out of prison with a new Web3-crypto 'drug discovery' business." July 29, 2022. https://fortune.com/2022/07/29/pharma-bro-martin-shkreli-is-fresh-out-of-prison-with-a-new-web3-crypto-drug-discovery-business/</ref>
The venture raised red flags immediately. Attorneys general in New York and North Carolina said they were investigating whether Druglike violated Shkreli's lifetime pharmaceutical ban. But Druglike countered that it's "not a pharmaceutical company" and isn't "engaged in pharmaceutical research or drug development."<ref name="fortune-d">Fortune. "'Pharma bro' Martin Shkreli is fresh out of prison with a new Web3-crypto 'drug discovery' business." July 29, 2022. https://fortune.com/2022/07/29/pharma-bro-martin-shkreli-is-fresh-out-of-prison-with-a-new-web3-crypto-drug-discovery-business/</ref>


In August 2022, the Martin Shkreli Inu cryptocurrency lost 90% of its value after an account believed to belong to Shkreli sold its holdings. Shkreli claimed the account had been hacked.<ref name="biography-shkreli"/>
In August 2022, the Martin Shkreli Inu cryptocurrency cratered. It lost 90% of its value when an account believed to be Shkreli's sold its holdings. He claimed the account had been hacked.<ref name="biography-shkreli"/>


In January 2023, the FTC asked a federal judge to hold Shkreli in contempt for failing to provide information needed to determine whether he was violating the pharmaceutical industry ban through Druglike.<ref name="ftc-contempt">Federal Trade Commission. "FTC Asks Federal Court to Hold 'Pharma Bro' Martin Shkreli in Contempt." January 20, 2023. https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/01/ftc-asks-federal-court-hold-pharma-bro-martin-shkreli-contempt</ref>
In January 2023, the FTC asked a federal judge to hold Shkreli in contempt. He wasn't providing information needed to determine whether Druglike violated his pharmaceutical ban.<ref name="ftc-contempt">Federal Trade Commission. "FTC Asks Federal Court to Hold 'Pharma Bro' Martin Shkreli in Contempt." January 20, 2023. https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/01/ftc-asks-federal-court-hold-pharma-bro-martin-shkreli-contempt</ref>


=== Wu-Tang Clan Album Lawsuit ===
=== Wu-Tang Clan Album Lawsuit ===


In June 2024, PleasrDAO, the cryptocurrency collective that purchased the Wu-Tang Clan album for approximately $5 million, sued Shkreli claiming he had secretly made digital copies of the album in violation of their deal and distributed them to friends and followers online. Shkreli had allegedly bragged about keeping the files, posting on X: "LOL i have the mp3s you moron." He also stated on a podcast that he "burned the album and sent it to like, 50 different chicks."<ref name="cnn-wutang">CNN, "Martin Shkreli ordered to give up all copies of one-of-a-kind Wu Tang Clan album," August 27, 2024, https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/27/business/martin-shkreli-wu-tang-album.</ref>
In June 2024, PleasrDAO sued Shkreli. The cryptocurrency collective had purchased the Wu-Tang Clan album for roughly $5 million. They claimed he'd secretly made digital copies in violation of their deal and distributed them online. Shkreli bragged about keeping the files. On X he posted: "LOL i have the mp3s you moron." On a podcast he said he "burned the album and sent it to like, 50 different chicks."<ref name="cnn-wutang">CNN, "Martin Shkreli ordered to give up all copies of one-of-a-kind Wu Tang Clan album," August 27, 2024, https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/27/business/martin-shkreli-wu-tang-album.</ref>


On August 26, 2024, Judge Pamela K. Chen in Brooklyn federal court ordered Shkreli to turn over all copies of the album, including digital versions, and report the names of anyone he had distributed the music to by September 30, 2024. The judge also granted a preliminary restraining order barring Shkreli from "possessing, using, disseminating, or selling any interest" in the album.<ref name="cnbc-wutang">CNBC, "Judge orders 'Pharma Bro' Martin Shkreli to surrender all copies of rare Wu-Tang Clan album," August 26, 2024, https://www.cnbc.com/2024/08/26/martin-shkreli-surrender-wu-tang-clan-album.html.</ref>
On August 26, 2024, Judge Pamela K. Chen in Brooklyn federal court ordered Shkreli to turn over all copies. That includes digital versions. He had to report the names of anyone he'd distributed the music to by September 30, 2024. The judge also issued a preliminary restraining order barring him from "possessing, using, disseminating, or selling any interest" in the album.<ref name="cnbc-wutang">CNBC, "Judge orders 'Pharma Bro' Martin Shkreli to surrender all copies of rare Wu-Tang Clan album," August 26, 2024, https://www.cnbc.com/2024/08/26/martin-shkreli-surrender-wu-tang-clan-album.html.</ref>


In late 2024, Judge Chen ruled that Shkreli had potentially violated federal protections for trade secrets by retaining copies of the ultra-rare album after he forfeited it to prosecutors.<ref name="reed-wutang">Reed Smith LLP, "'Pharma Bro' Martin Shkreli ordered to hand over all copies of a Wu-Tang Album he made in violation of a court order," June 2024, https://www.reedsmith.com/en/news/2024/06/pharma-bro-martin-shkreli-ordered-to-hand-over-all-copies-of-a-wutang-album.</ref>
In late 2024, Judge Chen ruled that Shkreli had potentially violated federal trade secret protections by keeping copies of the ultra-rare album after forfeiting it.<ref name="reed-wutang">Reed Smith LLP, "'Pharma Bro' Martin Shkreli ordered to hand over all copies of a Wu-Tang Album he made in violation of a court order," June 2024, https://www.reedsmith.com/en/news/2024/06/pharma-bro-martin-shkreli-ordered-to-hand-over-all-copies-of-a-wutang-album.</ref>


=== 2024 Legal Defeats ===
=== 2024 Legal Defeats ===


In January 2024, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Shkreli's lifetime ban from the pharmaceutical industry and the $64.6 million disgorgement order related to the Daraprim antitrust case. The FTC characterized the ruling as affirming that "competition can now flourish for a crucial medication."<ref name="ftc-2024">Federal Trade Commission, "Statement on Second Circuit Order Upholding 'Pharma Bro' Martin Shkreli's Lifetime Ban," January 23, 2024, https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/01/statement-second-circuit-order-upholding-pharma-bro-martin-shkrelis-lifetime-ban.</ref>
The Second Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Shkreli's lifetime ban from pharma and the $64.6 million disgorgement in January 2024. The FTC called the ruling a win for competition on "a crucial medication."<ref name="ftc-2024">Federal Trade Commission, "Statement on Second Circuit Order Upholding 'Pharma Bro' Martin Shkreli's Lifetime Ban," January 23, 2024, https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/01/statement-second-circuit-order-upholding-pharma-bro-martin-shkrelis-lifetime-ban.</ref>


In October 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected Shkreli's appeal of the $64.6 million disgorgement order, effectively ending his legal challenges to the antitrust judgment. New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the victory, stating it held Shkreli "accountable for his illegal scheme to monopolize the market for a lifesaving drug."<ref name="fortune-scotus">Fortune, "Martin Shkreli gets snubbed by the Supreme Court and must return millions he reaped from jacking up the price of a lifesaving drug," October 7, 2024, https://fortune.com/2024/10/07/martin-shkreli-supreme-court-loses-appeal/.</ref>
The U.S. Supreme Court rejected Shkreli's appeal of the $64.6 million disgorgement order in October 2024. That ended his legal challenges to the antitrust judgment for good. New York Attorney General Letitia James celebrated, saying it held Shkreli "accountable for his illegal scheme to monopolize the market for a lifesaving drug."<ref name="fortune-scotus">Fortune, "Martin Shkreli gets snubbed by the Supreme Court and must return millions he reaped from jacking up the price of a lifesaving drug," October 7, 2024, https://fortune.com/2024/10/07/martin-shkreli-supreme-court-loses-appeal/.</ref>


=== Supervised Release Violation ===
=== Supervised Release Violation ===


In late 2024, reports emerged that Shkreli had violated the terms of his supervised release by traveling out of state without permission from his probation officer. The outcome of this potential violation remains unclear.<ref name="cnn-wutang" />
In late 2024, reports surfaced that Shkreli had violated supervised release terms by traveling out of state without probation officer permission. The outcome remains unclear.<ref name="cnn-wutang" />


=== 2025 Activities ===
=== 2025 Activities ===


In December 2025, Q/C Technologies, a quantum-class computing developer, announced that Shkreli had joined as a Strategic Advisor alongside entrepreneur James Altucher. The company develops optical computing technology. Shkreli stated: "I'm convinced that the next leap in frontier computing is optical, not purely quantum. Q/C's 'quantum class' technology approach bridges frameworks, offering the potential for extraordinary performance and efficiency gains."<ref name="qc-tech">GlobeNewswire, "Quantum-Class Computing Developer Q/C Technologies Welcomes Strategic Advisor Martin Shkreli," December 9, 2025, https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/12/09/3202470/0/en/Quantum-Class-Computing-Developer-Q-C-Technologies-Welcomes-Strategic-Advisor-Martin-Shkreli.html.</ref>
In December 2025, Q/C Technologies announced that Shkreli had joined as Strategic Advisor. Entrepreneur James Altucher joined alongside him. Q/C develops optical computing technology. Shkreli stated: "I'm convinced that the next leap in frontier computing is optical, not purely quantum. Q/C's 'quantum class' technology approach bridges frameworks, offering the potential for extraordinary performance and efficiency gains."<ref name="qc-tech">GlobeNewswire, "Quantum-Class Computing Developer Q/C Technologies Welcomes Strategic Advisor Martin Shkreli," December 9, 2025, https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/12/09/3202470/0/en/Quantum-Class-Computing-Developer-Q-C-Technologies-Welcomes-Strategic-Advisor-Martin-Shkreli.html.</ref>
 


=== 2026 Eric Swalwell Video Release ===
=== 2026 Eric Swalwell Video Release ===


On April 11, 2026, Shkreli inserted himself into the political scandal surrounding California congressman Eric Swalwell. After the ''San Francisco Chronicle'' published a former staffer's on-the-record account alleging that Swalwell had raped her twice -- once in a hotel room in September 2019, and again at a charity event in April 2024 -- Shkreli announced on X (formerly Twitter) that he had obtained a video from a source purportedly showing Swalwell in an intimate encounter with a woman.<ref name="fox-swalwell">{{cite web |title=Swalwell's Former Female Staffer Drops Bombshell Allegations: Sexual Assault, Exposing Himself |url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/swalwells-former-female-staffer-drops-bombshell-allegations-sexual-assault-exposing-himself-report |work=Fox News |publisher=Fox News |date=April 11, 2026 |access-date=April 12, 2026}}</ref><ref name="nypost-portnoy">{{cite web |title=Dave Portnoy Roasts Eric Swalwell Over Sexual Assault Allegations |url=https://nypost.com/2026/04/11/us-news/dave-portnoy-roasts-eric-swalwell-over-sexual-assault-allegations-serial-drunk-scumbag-cheater/ |work=New York Post |publisher=New York Post |date=April 11, 2026 |access-date=April 12, 2026}}</ref>
Shkreli inserted himself into a major political scandal on April 11, 2026. The San Francisco Chronicle had published allegations from a former staffer claiming that California congressman Eric Swalwell had raped her. Once in a hotel room in September 2019. Again at a charity event in April 2024. Shkreli announced on X that he'd obtained a video from a source showing Swalwell in an intimate encounter with a woman.<ref name="fox-swalwell">{{cite web |title=Swalwell's Former Female Staffer Drops Bombshell Allegations: Sexual Assault, Exposing Himself |url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/swalwells-former-female-staffer-drops-bombshell-allegations-sexual-assault-exposing-himself-report |work=Fox News |publisher=Fox News |date=April 11, 2026 |access-date=April 12, 2026}}</ref><ref name="nypost-portnoy">{{cite web |title=Dave Portnoy Roasts Eric Swalwell Over Sexual Assault Allegations |url=https://nypost.com/2026/04/11/us-news/dave-portnoy-roasts-eric-swalwell-over-sexual-assault-allegations-serial-drunk-scumbag-cheater/ |work=New York Post |publisher=New York Post |date=April 11, 2026 |access-date=April 12, 2026}}</ref>


Shkreli tagged Swalwell's campaign account on X and stated that he was giving the campaign twenty minutes to respond before releasing the footage. When no response came, he posted the clip. The video, which Shkreli said was filmed inside Swalwell's home, shows a man kissing a woman on a bed. Shkreli identified the woman as a sex worker and said a source had provided the footage directly to him. Neither the identity of the man nor the authenticity of the video has been independently confirmed.<ref name="calwave-swalwell">{{cite web |last=Chen |first=Marcus |title=Swalwell's California Governor Bid Implodes After Rape Allegation and a Video From Martin Shkreli |url=https://californiawave.com/politics/swalwell-california-governor-campaign-collapse-shkreli-video-staffer-allegation |work=California Wave |publisher=California Wave |date=April 12, 2026 |access-date=April 12, 2026}}</ref>
Shkreli tagged Swalwell's campaign account on X and gave them twenty minutes to respond before posting the footage. No response came. So he posted the clip. The video, which Shkreli says was filmed in Swalwell's home, shows a man kissing a woman on a bed. Shkreli identified the woman as a sex worker and said a source gave him the footage directly. Neither the man's identity nor the video's authenticity has been independently confirmed.<ref name="calwave-swalwell">{{cite web |last=Chen |first=Marcus |title=Swalwell's California Governor Bid Implodes After Rape Allegation and a Video From Martin Shkreli |url=https://californiawave.com/politics/swalwell-california-governor-campaign-collapse-shkreli-video-staffer-allegation |work=California Wave |publisher=California Wave |date=April 12, 2026 |access-date=April 12, 2026}}</ref>


The release of the video accelerated the political fallout from the Chronicle report. Senator Ruben Gallego withdrew his endorsement of Swalwell's campaign for California governor. CNN subsequently reported that three additional women alleged receiving unsolicited explicit messages or photos from Swalwell. Swalwell denied all allegations, telling reporters: "It's false."<ref name="fox-swalwell" />
The video accelerated the political fallout. Senator Ruben Gallego withdrew his endorsement of Swalwell's campaign for California governor. CNN subsequently reported that three additional women alleged receiving unsolicited explicit messages or photos from Swalwell. He denied all the allegations, telling reporters: "It's false."<ref name="fox-swalwell" />


== Personal Life ==
== Personal Life ==


Shkreli has indicated that his Catholic upbringing has been "a guiding post" for him, although he has stated he does not believe in God.<ref name="biography-shkreli"/>
Shkreli has said his Catholic upbringing was "a guiding post" for him. But he's stated he doesn't believe in God.<ref name="biography-shkreli"/>


In December 2020, while incarcerated, Shkreli began a relationship with Christie Smythe, a former Bloomberg News reporter who had covered his arrest. They became engaged during his imprisonment, but by October 2021, Smythe stated they had broken up but remained friends. In October 2023, it was revealed that Shkreli had a romantic relationship with Madison Campbell, CEO of Leda Health, between February and August 2023.<ref name="mab">Mabumbe. "Martin Shkreli: Biography, Net Worth, and Career Highlights." November 30, 2024. https://mabumbe.com/people/martin-shkreli-biography-net-worth-and-career-highlights/</ref>
In December 2020, while incarcerated, Shkreli began a relationship with Christie Smythe. She's a former Bloomberg News reporter who had covered his arrest. They became engaged during his imprisonment. By October 2021, Smythe stated they'd broken up but remained friends. In October 2023, it was revealed that Shkreli had a romantic relationship with Madison Campbell, CEO of Leda Health, between February and August 2023.<ref name="mab">Mabumbe. "Martin Shkreli: Biography, Net Worth, and Career Highlights." November 30, 2024. https://mabumbe.com/people/martin-shkreli-biography-net-worth-and-career-highlights/</ref>


Shkreli is an avid "League of Legends" player and once attempted to purchase an eSports team (Enemy eSports, which declined his $1.2 million offer). He subsequently founded Odyssey eSports, which failed to qualify for competitive leagues.<ref name="famous"/>
Shkreli is an avid "League of Legends" player. He once tried to buy an eSports team (Enemy eSports declined his $1.2 million offer). He subsequently founded Odyssey eSports. That venture failed to qualify for competitive leagues.<ref name="famous"/>


At his peak, Shkreli's net worth was estimated at approximately $70 million. Following legal issues and financial penalties, his net worth has significantly decreased.
His net worth peaked at roughly $70 million. Legal issues and penalties have since reduced that significantly.


== Congressional Testimony ==
== Congressional Testimony ==


Shkreli was subpoenaed to appear before the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the U.S. House of Representatives to answer questions about the Daraprim price increase. On February 4, 2016, Shkreli appeared before the House committee but invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and refused to answer questions, smirking throughout the hearing. He later called the members of Congress "imbeciles" on Twitter.<ref name="biography-shkreli"/>
The U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform subpoenaed Shkreli to answer questions about the Daraprim price increase. On February 4, 2016, he appeared before the committee but invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and refused to answer. He smirked throughout. Later he called the members of Congress "imbeciles" on Twitter.<ref name="biography-shkreli"/>


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
Line 236: Line 235:
* [https://www.sec.gov/enforcement-litigation/litigation-releases/lr-25337 SEC v. Martin Shkreli]
* [https://www.sec.gov/enforcement-litigation/litigation-releases/lr-25337 SEC v. Martin Shkreli]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Shkreli Martin Shkreli - Wikipedia]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Shkreli Martin Shkreli - Wikipedia]


== Frequently Asked Questions ==
== Frequently Asked Questions ==
{{FAQSection/Start}}
{{FAQSection/Start}}
{{FAQ|question=What was Martin Shkreli convicted of?|answer=Martin Shkreli was convicted of two counts of securities fraud and one count of conspiracy for defrauding investors in two hedge funds he managed.}}
{{FAQ|question=What was Martin Shkreli convicted of?|answer=Martin Shkreli was convicted of two counts of securities fraud and one count of conspiracy for defrauding investors in two hedge funds he managed.}}
{{FAQ|question=How long was Martin Shkreli's sentence?|answer=Shkreli was sentenced to 7 years in federal prison. He was released in May 2022 after serving approximately 5 years.}}
{{FAQ|question=How long was Martin Shkreli's sentence?|answer=Shkreli was sentenced to 7 years in federal prison. He was released in May 2022 after serving roughly 5 years.}}
{{FAQ|question=Why is Martin Shkreli infamous?|answer=Shkreli became notorious for raising the price of the life-saving drug Daraprim by over 5,000% when he was CEO of Turing Pharmaceuticals, though this was not the crime he was convicted of.}}
{{FAQ|question=Why is Martin Shkreli infamous?|answer=Shkreli became notorious for raising the price of the life-saving drug Daraprim by over 5,000 percent when he was CEO of Turing Pharmaceuticals. That wasn't the crime he was convicted of, though.}}
{{FAQ|question=Where did Martin Shkreli serve his sentence?|answer=Shkreli served time at various federal facilities including FCI Fort Dix.}}
{{FAQ|question=Where did Martin Shkreli serve his sentence?|answer=Shkreli served time at various federal facilities including FCI Fort Dix.}}
{{FAQ|question=What happened to Martin Shkreli's Wu-Tang album?|answer=Shkreli purchased the one-of-a-kind Wu-Tang Clan album 'Once Upon a Time in Shaolin' for $2 million in 2015. It was forfeited as part of his 2018 sentence and sold by the government to PleasrDAO, a cryptocurrency collective, for approximately $5 million. However, Shkreli allegedly kept digital copies and shared them, bragging on social media "LOL i have the mp3s." In August 2024, a federal judge ordered him to surrender all copies and reveal everyone he had distributed the music to.}}


{{FAQ|question=What is Martin Shkreli doing now in 2025?|answer=After his May 2022 release from prison, Shkreli has pursued several ventures despite his lifetime pharmaceutical industry ban. He founded Druglike, a Web3 drug discovery platform, which drew regulatory scrutiny. In December 2025, he joined Q/C Technologies as a Strategic Advisor for their optical computing technology. He continues to face legal issues including the Wu-Tang album lawsuit and reportedly violated his supervised release by traveling out of state without permission.}}
{{FAQ|question=Is Martin Shkreli still banned from the pharmaceutical industry?|answer=Yes. In January 2024, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Shkreli's lifetime ban from the pharmaceutical industry and the $64.6 million disgorgement order related to the Daraprim antitrust case. In October 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected his final appeal, ending his legal challenges. The FTC and multiple state attorneys general continue to monitor his activities for potential violations.}}
{{FAQ|question=What video did Martin Shkreli release of Eric Swalwell?|answer=On April 11, 2026, Shkreli posted a short video clip on X that he said shows California congressman Eric Swalwell kissing a woman in his home. Shkreli identified the woman as a sex worker and said a source provided the footage directly to him. The video has not been independently verified and Swalwell's campaign has not addressed it.}}
{{FAQ|question=How is Martin Shkreli connected to the Eric Swalwell scandal?|answer=Shkreli obtained and publicly released a video he claims shows Swalwell with a sex worker, posting it to X on April 11, 2026, the day after the San Francisco Chronicle published rape allegations from a former Swalwell staffer. Shkreli gave Swalwell's campaign twenty minutes to respond before posting and received no reply.}}
{{FAQ|question=What are the Eric Swalwell sexual assault allegations?|answer=A former staffer told the San Francisco Chronicle that Swalwell raped her twice during and after her employment in his congressional office. CNN subsequently reported that three additional women alleged receiving unsolicited explicit photos or messages from Swalwell. Swalwell has denied all allegations.}}
{{FAQ|question=What is Martin Shkreli known for in 2026?|answer=In 2026, Shkreli made headlines for releasing a video he claims shows congressman Eric Swalwell in a compromising situation. He previously gained notoriety for raising the price of Daraprim by over 5,000 percent, buying the only copy of a Wu-Tang Clan album, and his 2017 securities fraud conviction. He joined Q/C Technologies as a strategic advisor in December 2025.}}
{{FAQSection/End}}
{{FAQSection/End}}
== References ==
== References ==
 
<references />
<references/>
 
[[Category:High-Profile_Federal_Offenders]]
 
[[Category:White_Collar_Crime]]
 
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          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "Why is Martin Shkreli infamous?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "Shkreli became notorious for raising the price of the life-saving drug Daraprim by over 5,000% when he was CEO of Turing Pharmaceuticals, though this was not the crime he was convicted of."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "Where did Martin Shkreli serve his sentence?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "Shkreli served time at various federal facilities including FCI Fort Dix."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "What happened to Martin Shkreli's Wu-Tang album?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "Shkreli purchased the one-of-a-kind Wu-Tang Clan album for $2 million in 2015. It was forfeited as part of his 2018 sentence and sold by the government to PleasrDAO. However, Shkreli allegedly kept digital copies and shared them. In August 2024, a federal judge ordered him to surrender all copies."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "What is Martin Shkreli doing now in 2025?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "After his May 2022 release from prison, Shkreli has pursued several ventures despite his lifetime pharmaceutical industry ban. He founded Druglike, a Web3 drug discovery platform. In December 2025, he joined Q/C Technologies as a Strategic Advisor for optical computing technology. He continues to face legal issues including the Wu-Tang album lawsuit."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "Is Martin Shkreli still banned from the pharmaceutical industry?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "Yes. In January 2024, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Shkreli's lifetime ban from the pharmaceutical industry. In October 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected his final appeal, ending his legal challenges to the $64.6 million disgorgement order."
          }
        }
      ]
    ,
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "What video did Martin Shkreli release of Eric Swalwell?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "On April 11, 2026, Shkreli posted a video on X claiming to show congressman Eric Swalwell kissing a woman identified as a sex worker in his home. The video has not been independently verified."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "How is Martin Shkreli connected to the Eric Swalwell scandal?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "Shkreli obtained and publicly released a video he claims shows Swalwell with a sex worker. He posted it to X on April 11, 2026, the day after the San Francisco Chronicle published rape allegations from a former Swalwell staffer."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "What is Martin Shkreli doing now in 2026?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "In 2026, Shkreli released a video he claims shows congressman Eric Swalwell in a compromising situation. He serves as a Strategic Advisor at Q/C Technologies and continues to face legal issues related to the Wu-Tang Clan album."
          }
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Latest revision as of 04:47, 12 May 2026

Martin Shkreli
Born: March 17, 1983
Brooklyn, New York, United States
Charges: Securities fraud (2 counts); conspiracy to commit securities fraud (1 count)
Sentence: 84 months (7 years) federal prison; $7.36 million forfeiture; $75,000 fine; $1.39 million civil penalty (SEC); $64.6 million disgorgement (FTC antitrust case); lifetime ban from pharmaceutical industry
Facility: FCI Allenwood Low
Status: Released May 18, 2022; completed supervised release September 2022


Martin Shkreli (born March 17, 1983) is an American businessman, former hedge fund manager, and convicted felon who became widely known as "Pharma Bro" after his company Turing Pharmaceuticals raised the price of the antiparasitic drug Daraprim by more than 5,000 percent in 2015. He was convicted in 2017 of securities fraud related to his hedge funds and sentenced to seven years in federal prison. A separate civil antitrust case resulted in a lifetime ban from the pharmaceutical industry and a $64.6 million disgorgement order. Shkreli was released from prison in May 2022 after serving roughly five years.

Background

Early Life

Shkreli was born on March 17, 1983, at Coney Island Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. His parents were Roman Catholic Albanians who had emigrated from Albania and worked as janitors.[1] The Shkreli family traces its roots to the Shkreli tribe in Albania. He grew up in a working-class neighborhood in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, alongside two sisters and a brother. His childhood included Catholic upbringing and regular Sunday school attendance.

At one point, Shkreli declared himself "the most successful Albanian to ever walk the face of this earth."[2]

Education

Shkreli attended Hunter College High School. That's an elite public institution for gifted students in New York City. The record's unclear on one point: did he actually graduate from Hunter, or was he expelled before senior year and finish his diploma through City-As-School High School instead?[1]

He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Baruch College in 2004, specializing in finance. Even before graduating, he landed an internship at Cramer, Berkowitz & Co., a hedge fund, at just 17 years old. That's how he broke into Wall Street. Early influences mattered. A family member's struggle with treatment-resistant depression sparked his interest in pharmaceuticals and the challenges of developing treatments for rare diseases. He'd also been entrepreneurial from an early age: he bought his first stock shares in Compaq when he was just 12.[1]

Early Career

Wall Street

In early 2000, while still attending Baruch College, Shkreli began working at Cramer, Berkowitz & Co., the hedge fund run by Jim Cramer (who'd later become famous as host of CNBC's "Mad Money"). He made a bold recommendation to short Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, a biotech company testing a weight-loss drug. The stock dropped as he predicted. Cramer's fund cashed in on the trade. The SEC took notice and investigated Shkreli but found no evidence of wrongdoing to prosecute.[1]

He spent four years as an associate at Cramer Berkowitz. After that, he worked as a financial analyst for both Intrepid Capital Management and UBS Wealth Management.

Elea Capital Management

Shkreli founded his first hedge fund, Elea Capital Management, in 2006. By 2007, things fell apart fast. Lehman Brothers sued Elea in New York state court over a failed put option transaction. Shkreli had bet on a broad market decline. When stocks rose instead, he didn't have the cash to cover his losses. Lehman won in October 2007. But the firm collapsed before Shkreli could pay what he owed.[3]

MSMB Capital Management

In September 2009, Shkreli and childhood friend Marek Biestek, a portfolio manager, started MSMB Capital Management together. The hedge fund focused on biotech and pharmaceutical stocks. Prosecutors later claimed that Shkreli lied to investors about fund performance, sending newsletters touting nearly 40% gains even after the fund took massive losses in 2011 and shut down trading.[4]

Retrophin

In 2011, Shkreli co-founded Retrophin. It's a biotechnology company focused on rare diseases. The name came from recombinant dystrophin, a protein that's missing in people with muscular dystrophy. He served as CEO until 2014, when the board ousted him over allegations of financial misconduct. Prosecutors said Shkreli siphoned stock and cash from publicly traded Retrophin to repay defrauded hedge fund investors and cover personal loans.[5]

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) accused Shkreli in 2012 of trying to manipulate the FDA for profit. He'd filed multiple requests asking the agency to reject products from companies he had publicly shorted.[6]

Turing Pharmaceuticals and the Daraprim Controversy

Founding and Daraprim Acquisition

Shkreli founded Turing Pharmaceuticals in February 2015 (later renamed Vyera Pharmaceuticals). In August 2015, the company acquired the U.S. marketing rights to Daraprim (pyrimethamine) from Impax Laboratories for $55 million. Daraprim got FDA approval back in 1953. It's an antiparasitic medication used to treat toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection that can be serious and even life-threatening for people with weakened immune systems. That includes babies born to infected mothers and people living with HIV/AIDS.[7]

Price Increase

In September 2015, Turing raised Daraprim's price from $13.50 per pill to $750 per pill. That's a jump of more than 5,000 percent (or roughly 4,000 percent if you start from the $17.50 that some sources cite).[8] At that moment, Daraprim was the only FDA-approved drug for treating toxoplasmosis.

The reaction was immediate and explosive. Critics including Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, and Donald Trump condemned the move. Shkreli earned the nickname "Pharma Bro" and became known as "the most hated man in America."[9]

Anticompetitive Scheme

The price hike wasn't the whole story. Shkreli and Turing also ran an anticompetitive scheme designed to block generic competition. They set up restrictive distribution contracts and exclusive supply agreements meant to slow down and prevent generic competitors from entering the market. The result was brutal: hospitals, patients, and others had to pay "exorbitant prices or otherwise be forced to make difficult treatment decisions" because they couldn't access alternatives.[10]

Federal Criminal Case

Arrest and Indictment

On December 17, 2015, the FBI arrested Shkreli. The charges had nothing to do with Daraprim. Instead, prosecutors charged him with securities fraud, securities fraud conspiracy, and wire fraud conspiracy related to how he ran MSMB Capital Management, MSMB Healthcare, and Retrophin.[6]

Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Robert Capers called it "a trifecta of lies, deceit and greed." He said Shkreli treated MSMB Capital and Retrophin "like a personal piggy bank" and ran "a Ponzi scheme."[6]

Trial and Conviction

The trial lasted six weeks in Brooklyn federal court during the summer of 2017. On August 4, 2017, a jury found Shkreli guilty of:

  • Two counts of securities fraud (for defrauding MSMB Capital Management and MSMB Healthcare investors)
  • One count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud (involving manipulation of Retrophin stock)

He was acquitted of five other counts. Wire fraud conspiracy went unpunished. His attorney called that "the money count."[5]

Trial evidence showed that between 2009 and 2014, Shkreli lied to investors about how his hedge funds were performing. He made losing bets on biotech stocks. Then he improperly dipped into Retrophin stock and cash to pay investors back. His hedge fund investors ultimately received more than they originally invested. But only because he'd stolen it from Retrophin.[11]

Witnesses painted a complicated portrait. Shkreli could inspire grand visions of life-saving treatments while frustrating people with his loose relationship to facts. Some witnesses described him as brilliant, even genius. Others talked about his depression and self-sabotage.[12]

Bail Revocation

After conviction, Shkreli was released on $5 million bail. That changed on September 13, 2017. He posted on Facebook offering $5,000 for a strand of Hillary Clinton's hair during her book tour. The judge saw it as solicitation to assault. Shkreli claimed satire. His lawyer called it "tasteless but not a threat."[1] Judge Kiyo Matsumoto decided he was dangerous and sent him to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn to await sentencing.

Sentencing

Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto sentenced Shkreli on March 9, 2018. Federal sentencing guidelines suggested decades due to a $10.4 million loss total.[12]

In court, Shkreli broke down crying and apologized to his investors:

  • "I look back and I'm embarrassed and ashamed."
  • "I am terribly sorry. I lost your trust."
  • "This is my fault. I am not the victim here."
  • "The one person to blame for me being here today is me. There is no conspiracy to take down Martin Shkreli. I took down Martin Shkreli with my disgraceful and shameful actions."[13]

Prosecutors had asked for 15 years. His defense team requested 12 to 18 months plus community service and mandatory therapy. Judge Matsumoto imposed:

  • 84 months (7 years) in federal prison
  • $75,000 fine
  • $7.36 million in forfeiture

She said Shkreli seemed "genuinely remorseful" but criticized him for "repeatedly minimized" his crimes.[1]

Forfeited Assets

The forfeiture judgment required Shkreli to surrender several striking assets:

  • The "Once Upon a Time in Shaolin" album by Wu-Tang Clan, which he'd bought for $2 million at auction in 2015 as the only copy in existence
  • "Tha Carter V" album by Lil Wayne
  • A Picasso painting
  • A $5 million stock account posted as bail collateral

The Wu-Tang Clan album sold at auction in 2021 (later reported at roughly $4.75 million to PleasrDAO, a cryptocurrency collective) to compensate victims.[1]

FTC Antitrust Case

Lawsuit

The Federal Trade Commission filed a civil antitrust lawsuit in January 2020. New York Attorney General Letitia James joined forces, as did six states: California, Illinois, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. They sued Shkreli, Vyera Pharmaceuticals, and CEO Kevin Mulleady for anticompetitive conduct tied to Daraprim.[14]

The lawsuit claimed Shkreli orchestrated an illegal monopoly scheme. He restricted distribution through selective contracts. He locked up supply agreements to block generics from getting samples. Competition died. Monopoly profits survived.

Verdict

A seven-day trial in December 2021 was followed by a January 2022 ruling from U.S. District Judge Denise Cote. She found Shkreli had violated federal and state antitrust laws. His conduct was "egregious, deliberate, repetitive, long-running, and ultimately dangerous."[14]

Judge Cote ordered:

  • A lifetime ban from the pharmaceutical industry in any capacity
  • $64.6 million in disgorgement (excess profits from the anticompetitive scheme)

Vyera and Mulleady settled, paying up to $40 million, with Mulleady banned for seven years from pharma. Vyera had to make Daraprim available to generic competitors at list price.[10]

Appeals

Shkreli appealed the lifetime ban and $64.6 million penalty. He argued the injunction was "vague and overbroad." In January 2024, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals disagreed, upholding the ruling because "[g]iven Shkreli's pattern of past misconduct, the obvious likelihood of its recurrence, and the life-threatening nature of its results," the lifetime ban made sense.[8]

In October 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear Shkreli's appeal. That locked in the lifetime pharmaceutical ban and the $64.6 million penalty for good.[15]

SEC Case

In February 2022, U.S. District Judge Kiyo Matsumoto granted the SEC's motion. Shkreli had to pay a $1.39 million civil penalty for violating securities laws between 2009 and 2014 and was banned for life from serving as an officer or director of any publicly traded company.[1]

Incarceration and Release

A New Yorker report in April 2026 cited Shkreli among the former high-profile inmates who had passed through MDC Brooklyn. That facility has held some of the most publicly recognized defendants in recent federal court history.[16]

Prison

Following his bail revocation in September 2017, Shkreli was held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. After sentencing in March 2018, he transferred to FCI Fort Dix (a low-security facility in New Jersey) after his request for the federal prison camp at USP Canaan was denied. Later he moved to FCC Allenwood in Pennsylvania.[1]

In 2019, prison authorities discovered he was using a contraband smartphone to conduct business. He was reportedly running Vyera Pharmaceuticals operations and firing executives from his cell. So they put him in solitary confinement.[1]

In April 2020, Shkreli sought compassionate release during the COVID-19 pandemic. He claimed he could help develop a COVID-19 remedy. The request was denied.

Release

On May 18, 2022, Shkreli was released from Allenwood prison and transferred to a Bureau of Prisons halfway house. He'd completed all the programs that allow sentence reductions. He was released from the halfway house in September 2022.[1]

After release, Shkreli lived with his sister in Queens and earned $2,500 per month as a consultant for a small law firm. He indicated later that he had additional income from software ventures.[1]

Post-Release Activities

Druglike

Shortly after his release from prison in July 2022, Shkreli announced Druglike. He described it as a "Web3 drug discovery software platform." The company claims to offer cloud-based, decentralized computing resources for early-stage drug discovery using blockchain technology and a cryptocurrency called Martin Shkreli Inu (MSI).[17]

The venture raised red flags immediately. Attorneys general in New York and North Carolina said they were investigating whether Druglike violated Shkreli's lifetime pharmaceutical ban. But Druglike countered that it's "not a pharmaceutical company" and isn't "engaged in pharmaceutical research or drug development."[18]

In August 2022, the Martin Shkreli Inu cryptocurrency cratered. It lost 90% of its value when an account believed to be Shkreli's sold its holdings. He claimed the account had been hacked.[1]

In January 2023, the FTC asked a federal judge to hold Shkreli in contempt. He wasn't providing information needed to determine whether Druglike violated his pharmaceutical ban.[19]

Wu-Tang Clan Album Lawsuit

In June 2024, PleasrDAO sued Shkreli. The cryptocurrency collective had purchased the Wu-Tang Clan album for roughly $5 million. They claimed he'd secretly made digital copies in violation of their deal and distributed them online. Shkreli bragged about keeping the files. On X he posted: "LOL i have the mp3s you moron." On a podcast he said he "burned the album and sent it to like, 50 different chicks."[20]

On August 26, 2024, Judge Pamela K. Chen in Brooklyn federal court ordered Shkreli to turn over all copies. That includes digital versions. He had to report the names of anyone he'd distributed the music to by September 30, 2024. The judge also issued a preliminary restraining order barring him from "possessing, using, disseminating, or selling any interest" in the album.[21]

In late 2024, Judge Chen ruled that Shkreli had potentially violated federal trade secret protections by keeping copies of the ultra-rare album after forfeiting it.[22]

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Shkreli's lifetime ban from pharma and the $64.6 million disgorgement in January 2024. The FTC called the ruling a win for competition on "a crucial medication."[23]

The U.S. Supreme Court rejected Shkreli's appeal of the $64.6 million disgorgement order in October 2024. That ended his legal challenges to the antitrust judgment for good. New York Attorney General Letitia James celebrated, saying it held Shkreli "accountable for his illegal scheme to monopolize the market for a lifesaving drug."[24]

Supervised Release Violation

In late 2024, reports surfaced that Shkreli had violated supervised release terms by traveling out of state without probation officer permission. The outcome remains unclear.[20]

2025 Activities

In December 2025, Q/C Technologies announced that Shkreli had joined as Strategic Advisor. Entrepreneur James Altucher joined alongside him. Q/C develops optical computing technology. Shkreli stated: "I'm convinced that the next leap in frontier computing is optical, not purely quantum. Q/C's 'quantum class' technology approach bridges frameworks, offering the potential for extraordinary performance and efficiency gains."[25]

2026 Eric Swalwell Video Release

Shkreli inserted himself into a major political scandal on April 11, 2026. The San Francisco Chronicle had published allegations from a former staffer claiming that California congressman Eric Swalwell had raped her. Once in a hotel room in September 2019. Again at a charity event in April 2024. Shkreli announced on X that he'd obtained a video from a source showing Swalwell in an intimate encounter with a woman.[26][27]

Shkreli tagged Swalwell's campaign account on X and gave them twenty minutes to respond before posting the footage. No response came. So he posted the clip. The video, which Shkreli says was filmed in Swalwell's home, shows a man kissing a woman on a bed. Shkreli identified the woman as a sex worker and said a source gave him the footage directly. Neither the man's identity nor the video's authenticity has been independently confirmed.[28]

The video accelerated the political fallout. Senator Ruben Gallego withdrew his endorsement of Swalwell's campaign for California governor. CNN subsequently reported that three additional women alleged receiving unsolicited explicit messages or photos from Swalwell. He denied all the allegations, telling reporters: "It's false."[26]

Personal Life

Shkreli has said his Catholic upbringing was "a guiding post" for him. But he's stated he doesn't believe in God.[1]

In December 2020, while incarcerated, Shkreli began a relationship with Christie Smythe. She's a former Bloomberg News reporter who had covered his arrest. They became engaged during his imprisonment. By October 2021, Smythe stated they'd broken up but remained friends. In October 2023, it was revealed that Shkreli had a romantic relationship with Madison Campbell, CEO of Leda Health, between February and August 2023.[29]

Shkreli is an avid "League of Legends" player. He once tried to buy an eSports team (Enemy eSports declined his $1.2 million offer). He subsequently founded Odyssey eSports. That venture failed to qualify for competitive leagues.[3]

His net worth peaked at roughly $70 million. Legal issues and penalties have since reduced that significantly.

Congressional Testimony

The U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform subpoenaed Shkreli to answer questions about the Daraprim price increase. On February 4, 2016, he appeared before the committee but invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and refused to answer. He smirked throughout. Later he called the members of Congress "imbeciles" on Twitter.[1]

See Also

  • Securities Fraud
  • Federal Sentencing Guidelines and Offense Enhancements
  • Restitution,_Fines,_and_Forfeiture
  • FCI Fort Dix (low-security)
  • Residential Reentry Centers (Halfway Houses)
  • Supervised Release

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What was Martin Shkreli convicted of?

Martin Shkreli was convicted of two counts of securities fraud and one count of conspiracy for defrauding investors in two hedge funds he managed.


Q: How long was Martin Shkreli's sentence?

Shkreli was sentenced to 7 years in federal prison. He was released in May 2022 after serving roughly 5 years.


Q: Why is Martin Shkreli infamous?

Shkreli became notorious for raising the price of the life-saving drug Daraprim by over 5,000 percent when he was CEO of Turing Pharmaceuticals. That wasn't the crime he was convicted of, though.


Q: Where did Martin Shkreli serve his sentence?

Shkreli served time at various federal facilities including FCI Fort Dix.


References

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 Biography.com, "Martin Shkreli," https://www.biography.com/business-leaders/martin-shkreli.
  2. ↑ U.S. News & World Report. "10 Things You Didn't Know About Martin Shkreli." September 14, 2017. https://www.usnews.com/news/national-news/articles/2017-09-14/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-martin-shkreli
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 The Famous People. "Martin Shkreli Biography." https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/martin-shkreli-51824.php
  4. ↑ CNN. "Martin Shkreli sentenced to 7 years in prison for fraud." March 9, 2018. https://money.cnn.com/2018/03/09/news/martin-shkreli-sentencing/index.html
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 CNBC. "'Pharma bro' Martin Shkreli found guilty of 3 of 8 charges, including securities fraud." August 4, 2017. https://www.cnbc.com/2017/08/04/pharma-bro-martin-shkreli-convicted-in-federal-fraud-case.html
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Yahoo Finance. "Here's everything you need to know about Martin Shkreli." December 18, 2015. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/here-s-everything-you-need-to-know-about-martin-shkreli-194819256.html
  7. ↑ Federal Trade Commission. "Statement on Second Circuit Order Upholding 'Pharma Bro' Martin Shkreli's Lifetime Ban." January 23, 2024. https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/01/statement-second-circuit-order-upholding-pharma-bro-martin-shkrelis-lifetime-ban
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 ABC News. "Judge upholds 'Pharma Bro' Martin Shkreli's ban from pharmaceutical industry." January 23, 2024. https://abcnews.go.com/Business/judge-upholds-pharma-bro-martin-shkrelis-ban-pharmaceutical/story?id=106612918
  9. ↑ CEO Today Magazine. "Martin Shkreli: From Pharma Star to Prison Cell." April 28, 2025. https://www.ceotodaymagazine.com/2025/04/martin-shkreli-from-pharma-star-to-prison-cell/
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Fierce Pharma. "Shkreli hit with $64.6M verdict, lifetime pharma ban in antitrust case." January 14, 2022. https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/shrekli-hit-64-6m-verdict-lifetime-pharma-ban-antitrust-case
  11. ↑ U.S. Department of Justice. "Martin Shkreli Sentenced to Seven Years' Imprisonment for Multi-Million Dollar Fraud Scheme." March 9, 2018. https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/martin-shkreli-sentenced-seven-years-imprisonment-multi-million-dollar-fraud-scheme
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 CNBC. "'Pharma bro' Martin Shkreli sentenced to 7 years in prison — says, 'This is my fault.'" March 9, 2018. https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/09/pharma-bro-martin-shkreli-sentenced-to-7-years-in-prison.html
  13. ↑ NBC News. "'Pharma Bro' Martin Shkreli sentenced to seven years in prison." March 10, 2018. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/pharma-bro-martin-shkreli-sentenced-seven-years-defrauding-investors-n854241
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 New York Attorney General. "'Pharma Bro No More': Attorney General James Scores Court Victory Against Convicted Criminal Martin Shkreli." January 14, 2022. https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2022/pharma-bro-no-more-attorney-general-james-scores-court-victory-against-convicted
  15. ↑ CNBC. "Supreme Court rejects Martin Shkreli appeal on pharma fine." October 7, 2024. https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2024/10/07/supreme-court-martin-shkreli-appeal-rejected-fine.html
  16. ↑ "What Nicolás Maduro's Life Is Like in a Notorious Brooklyn Jail". '. Retrieved April 21, 2026.
  17. ↑ The Register. "Jailed pharma bro Martin Shkreli now pushes Web3 venture." July 27, 2022. https://www.theregister.com/2022/07/26/martin-shkreli-out-of-prison/
  18. ↑ Fortune. "'Pharma bro' Martin Shkreli is fresh out of prison with a new Web3-crypto 'drug discovery' business." July 29, 2022. https://fortune.com/2022/07/29/pharma-bro-martin-shkreli-is-fresh-out-of-prison-with-a-new-web3-crypto-drug-discovery-business/
  19. ↑ Federal Trade Commission. "FTC Asks Federal Court to Hold 'Pharma Bro' Martin Shkreli in Contempt." January 20, 2023. https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/01/ftc-asks-federal-court-hold-pharma-bro-martin-shkreli-contempt
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 CNN, "Martin Shkreli ordered to give up all copies of one-of-a-kind Wu Tang Clan album," August 27, 2024, https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/27/business/martin-shkreli-wu-tang-album.
  21. ↑ CNBC, "Judge orders 'Pharma Bro' Martin Shkreli to surrender all copies of rare Wu-Tang Clan album," August 26, 2024, https://www.cnbc.com/2024/08/26/martin-shkreli-surrender-wu-tang-clan-album.html.
  22. ↑ Reed Smith LLP, "'Pharma Bro' Martin Shkreli ordered to hand over all copies of a Wu-Tang Album he made in violation of a court order," June 2024, https://www.reedsmith.com/en/news/2024/06/pharma-bro-martin-shkreli-ordered-to-hand-over-all-copies-of-a-wutang-album.
  23. ↑ Federal Trade Commission, "Statement on Second Circuit Order Upholding 'Pharma Bro' Martin Shkreli's Lifetime Ban," January 23, 2024, https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/01/statement-second-circuit-order-upholding-pharma-bro-martin-shkrelis-lifetime-ban.
  24. ↑ Fortune, "Martin Shkreli gets snubbed by the Supreme Court and must return millions he reaped from jacking up the price of a lifesaving drug," October 7, 2024, https://fortune.com/2024/10/07/martin-shkreli-supreme-court-loses-appeal/.
  25. ↑ GlobeNewswire, "Quantum-Class Computing Developer Q/C Technologies Welcomes Strategic Advisor Martin Shkreli," December 9, 2025, https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/12/09/3202470/0/en/Quantum-Class-Computing-Developer-Q-C-Technologies-Welcomes-Strategic-Advisor-Martin-Shkreli.html.
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 "Swalwell's Former Female Staffer Drops Bombshell Allegations: Sexual Assault, Exposing Himself". Fox News. Retrieved April 12, 2026.
  27. ↑ "Dave Portnoy Roasts Eric Swalwell Over Sexual Assault Allegations". New York Post. Retrieved April 12, 2026.
  28. ↑ "Swalwell's California Governor Bid Implodes After Rape Allegation and a Video From Martin Shkreli". California Wave. Retrieved April 12, 2026.
  29. ↑ Mabumbe. "Martin Shkreli: Biography, Net Worth, and Career Highlights." November 30, 2024. https://mabumbe.com/people/martin-shkreli-biography-net-worth-and-career-highlights/
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