Ryan Selkis, founder and CEO of Messari, a cryptocurrency market intelligence firm, has called out “Pharma Bro” Martin Shkreli for supposedly acting with federal agencies to hurt Donald Trump’s campaign. Shkreli, allegedly the creator of DJT, disregarded this notion, calling out Selkis for “watching too many movies.” Messari’s Ryan Selkis Accuses Martin Shkreli of Organizing […]
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Controversial Figure Martin Shkreli Allegedly Behind New Trump-Themed Crypto Token DJT
Martin Shkreli, known for his previous securities fraud conviction, has reportedly claimed to co-create the DJT token, a new crypto asset themed after Donald Trump. The revelation comes as the token’s association with the Trump campaign remains unverified, stirring significant speculation and controversy. ‘Pharma Bro’ Martin Shkreli Allegedly Co-Creates Trump Crypto Token In a recent […]
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Martin Shkreli Tells CZ ‘Jail Ain’t so Bad,’ Speculates About Sentence
Martin Shkreli, also known as ‘Pharma Bro,’ directed his attention to former Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao’s situation, with CZ having recently pleaded guilty to money laundering charges as part of a .3 billion settlement. “Jail ain’t so bad,” Shkreli stressed, speculating that CZ could spend up to 1 year in jail or get probation.
Martin Shkreli to CZ: ‘Jail Ain’t so Bad’
Martin Shkreli, also known as ‘Pharma Bro’ due to his links to pharmaceutical companies, has referred to the situation of former Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao and the odds he has of serving time in jail. Shkreli, who was sentenced to serve seven years in jail on securities fraud and conspiracy charges, told CZ that “jail ain’t so bad” and speculated about how much time (if any) he could serve according to his plea deal.
Zhao pleaded guilty to felony charges related to the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), with the Department of Justice (DOJ) stating that he had “violated federal law that requires financial institutions to guard against money laundering and terrorist financing.”
According to the NYT, Zhao faces up to 18 months in prison under federal sentencing guidelines, but prosecutors are keeping open the possibility of asking for a stiffer penalty. If his sentence is lower than 18 months, Zhao’s deal includes waving his right to appeal.
Shkreli explained:
If this (BSA) is the charge he may get probation to 1 year, would be a decent deal for CZ to not get hit with title 18, ch 1956. He good on any pound in this case. Camp status, no violence. Might get to work on his push-up game.
Section 1956 of Title 18 of the U.S. Code establishes sentences of up to 20 years in jail and fines for anyone who “conducts or attempts to conduct a financial transaction involving property represented to be the proceeds of specified unlawful activity, or property used to conduct or facilitate specified unlawful activity.”
DOJ Flexes Its Power
Shkreli also discussed the real motivations behind the DOJ’s power move, stating that this action had to do with showing “the ability for the U.S. Government to shake you down whenever they feel like it.”
He stressed:
Remember, anon & friends, the criminal division of the DOJ can do whatever it wants to you, too. This isn’t about ‘the law’ or protecting people. It’s demonstrating the awesome power of government to put you in a cage.
This is not the first time Shkreli has discussed jail with a cryptocurrency personality. Shkreli told the same thing to former Terraform Labs founder Do Kwon, having also recently revealed details about former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried’s experiences in jail.
What do you think about Shkreli’s thoughts on CZ’s sentence? Tell us in the comments section below.
Martin Shkreli Details Sam Bankman-Fried’s Life in Prison
Martin Shkreli, the former CEO of several hedge funds and pharmaceutical companies, offered updates about the life of Sam Bankman-Fried in prison. Jeremy Lorenzo (aka Flacco Poops), Shkreli’s source on MDC Brooklyn, the center in which Bankman-Fried is being held, stated that he has been facing some troubles due to inmates believing he was a “chomo” (prison slang for child molester) and that he was now moved to another area with Asian inmates.
Martin Shkreli States Sam Bankman-Fried Faces Problems in Brooklyn’s MDC
Martin Shkreli, a CEO of various hedge funds and pharmaceutical companies who was convicted of securities fraud and conspiracy charges back in 2017, offered insight into the alleged difficulties that Sam Bankman-Fried, former CEO of FTX, is facing while being held at Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC).
Shkreli, also known for telling former Terra CEO Do Kwon that jail was “not that bad,” hosted an X space with Jeremy Lorenzo (Flacco Poops), his alleged source on MDC, who stated that Sam Bankman-Fried initially faced complications with other inmates. Lorenzo related that Bankman-Fried’s first cellmate rejected him because he believed he was a “chomo” (prison slang for being a child molester), and allowing him to share his cell would sully his reputation.
About how inmates would not know who Sam Bankman-Fried was, Lorenzo stated:
You underestimate how stupid some of the people in jail are.
This prompted Bankman-Fried to be sent to another area of the prison occupied by Asian inmates. These Asian inmates, who are members of a gang, could be ostensibly protecting him or extorting him, according to Lorenzo’s statements.
More Difficulties After Conviction
Shkreli and Lorenzo said that Sam was set to face even more problems after he got convicted. They analyzed two possible scenarios: the first one being Bankman-Fried being convicted to serve a lengthy sentence in a federal penitentiary. In this case, they believe Bankman-Fried would die in a few days without paid protection.
In this scenario, Lorenzo stated:
I do see him getting extorted. I see him getting beat up [a] numerous amount of times.
Shkreli pointed out that another problem that aggravated Bankman-Fried’s situation is his Jewish origin, as there is a large amount of antisemitism in federal prisons.
The second scenario involves Bankman-Fried being sent to a low or medium-security prison. In this case, they believe he could be treated better and even “flourish.” In either case, Shkreli pointed out that he expects Bankman Fried’s sentence to be in a “football numbers” range.
What do you think about Shkreli’s space and his intel on Sam Bankman-Fried’s life in jail? Tell us in the comments section below.