Back before the court
The FTC and seven states asked a federal judge on October 13 to hold Martin Shkreli in civil contempt. They allege that his activity since leaving prison violated a 2022 order barring him from the pharmaceutical industry.
What is being challenged
The filing alleges trading in pharmaceutical-company stocks and online commentary aimed at influencing companies. The plaintiffs argue that these activities fall within the restrictions of the earlier injunction. This is their interpretation in a pending enforcement request, not a new contempt finding.
The earlier ruling
The FTC says the 2022 court decision followed a trial concerning anticompetitive conduct involving Daraprim. That ruling imposed the industry ban and required disgorgement exceeding $64 million. The new motion concerns compliance with that existing order.
Why the plaintiffs want an accounting
The accompanying legal brief asks for a sworn account of pharmaceutical-stock trading since the injunction and a financial statement, with an auditor to verify them at Shkreli’s expense. The plaintiffs say an accounting is needed to identify holdings to be sold and calculate profits. Their proposed fine would include profits and interest without subtracting losses on other trades. Those requests show how the dispute moves from an industry ban to the practical task of tracing ownership and enforcing financial consequences.
The requested ruling
The plaintiffs seek divestment and financial sanctions to enforce the earlier injunction. The materials reviewed here establish a request for those sanctions, not an order imposing them. They do not include Shkreli’s response.
Why this story is in the editionCurrent federal enforcement development; nationwide search popularity has not been independently measured.
Prepared with AI assistance. Source-based reporting checked on October 23, 2026. This article does not update automatically. Read our editorial standards.
