FTC says Martin Shkreli livestreamed violations of lifetime pharma ban

The FTC and attorneys general of seven states asked a federal judge to hold Martin Shkreli in contempt, alleging he repeatedly violated his lifetime pharmaceutical industry ban by trading drug company stocks and discussing the sector in livestreams. They seek divestment from all pharma stocks, a fine equal to his trading profits, and escalating penalties up to incarceration.

• Shkreli has been barred from owning pharma stocks and influencing drug companies since 2022
• FTC and seven states seek divestment from all pharma stocks and a fine equal to his trading profits
• After he advised viewers to short one company, its stock quickly dropped 17%
• In June 2026 he started a trading challenge with a $10 million account