FTC Petitions Court to Find Martin Shkreli in Contempt

The Federal Trade Commission and seven states petitioned a federal judge on October 13, 2026, to find Martin Shkreli in contempt of court. The petition alleges that Shkreli violated a 2022 court order that banned him from participating in the pharmaceutical industry following his previous illegal conduct, which included running a Ponzi scheme and hiking the price of the drug Daraprim.

The FTC claims Shkreli ignored the ban by publicly trading at least 60 pharmaceutical stocks and broadcasting opinions on the management of industry companies. Government officials are requesting that the judge order Shkreli to divest his pharmaceutical holdings and pay a fine equal to his trading profits.

FTC Commissioner Mark Meador stated that Shkreli should face escalating consequences for these violations, including potential incarceration. Meador argued that Shkreli has shown little regard for the obligations imposed on him as a result of his prior illegal conduct.