‘Pharma bro’ CEO facing new conspiracy charge in fraud case
Infamous Pharma CEO Martin Shkreli is facing new charges in the fraud case against him.
Turing Pharmaceuticals founder Martin Shkreli came under fire last year after buying the rights to 62-year-old drug Daraprim, which is used to treat conditions including AIDS-related toxoplasmosis, and jacking up the price to $750 a pill.
The 5500% price rise sparked outrage, but Shkreli refused to back down. He was removed as the company’s CEO after he was arrested over unrelated fraud allegations.
The CEO is now facing extra charges in the case, which relate to allegations he defrauded investors at pharma company Retrophin.
His lawyer said: “The new indictment adds nothing of value to the Government’s case that still relies on a flawed theory as to Mr. Shkreli”.
Asked for comment on Twitter by a Bloomberg journalist, he warned: “don’t make me slap you”.
When asked if he was declining to comment, he specified: “My comment is, ‘when I see you, imma slap you’.”
Shkreli appeared before Congress earlier this year – but refused to answer nearly every question that was put to him.
Asked about his actions, he said: “On the advice of counsel, I invoke my Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination, and respectfully decline your question.”
Asked about AIDS patients struggling to afford their medication, he said: “On the advice of counsel, I invoke my Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination, and respectfully decline your question.”
When challenged about his refusal to cooperate, he told a lawmaker: “I intend to follow the advice of my counsel, not yours.”
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