Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Entertainment
Rose Troup Buchanan

Martin Shkreli arrest: Wu-Tang Clan album not seized by FBI

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. 

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.