Martin Shkreli arrest: Wu-Tang Clan album wasn't seized, FBI confirm
The pharmaceutical boss achieved notority after increasing the price of a life-saving drug from $13.50 to $750
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.US authorities confirmed they have not seized a never-heard album bought by a notorious pharmaceutical boss after he was arrested.
Martin Shkreli, who achieved near global condemnation after increasing the price of Daraprim – used by many Aids patients – from $13.50 to $750 in September, was arrested by the FBI after he was accused of securities fraud on Thursday.
In May the 32-year-old had bought rap group Wu-Tang Clan’s album ‘Once Upon a Time in Shaolin’ for a reputed $2million, before his current notoriety.
Fans have never heard the one-of-a-kind album, but FBI officers confirmed they did not have the authority to seize the music.
“I wondered how long it was going to take to get to that,” US attorney Robert Capers told Time. “We’re not aware of where he got the funds that he raised to buy the Wu-Tang Clan album.”
The FBI later tweeted the album was not in the authority’s possession.
After Mr Shkreli’s business antics came to light, the Wu-Tang Clan distanced themselves from him – prompting a furious and foul-language filled rebuke from the businessman, even though he later admitted he had yet to listen to the album.
Mr Shkreli has pleaded not guilty to securities fraud charges and was released on a $5m bail on Thursday.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments