Gushiken Yona
Years of unreleased music from rap superstar Eminem, stolen from under the artist’s nose by a former sound engineer, has been sold for Bitcoin on the internet, leading to federal charges, the FBI said Wednesday.
Joseph Strange, 46, of Holly, Michigan, faces federal charges of criminal copyright infringement and interstate transportation of stolen goods. Strange worked as a sound engineer at Eminem’s Effigy recording studio in Ferndale, Michigan, from 2007 to 2021, a position that granted him access to password-protected hard drives containing a vast archive of the rapper’s work, both finished and unfinished.
Federal prosecutors allege that Strange illicitly copied at least 25 unreleased songs recorded between 1999 and 2018. These tracks, described as being in “various stages of development,” were then sold online, with the initial leak occurring in January.
Bitcoin Payments: Tracing the Cryptocurrency Trail
The primary recipient of the stolen music, according to the FBI, was a Canadian individual known online as “Doja Rat.” This individual, identified as a 31-year-old, reportedly paid Strange approximately $50,000 in Bitcoin for the collection of unreleased tracks.
“Doja Rat” allegedly crowdfunded the $50,000 Bitcoin payment with a group of fellow Eminem fans, underscoring the demand for exclusive content within online fan communities. The FBI also identified other individuals who purchased unreleased music from Strange, including one fan who paid $1,000 for just two tracks.
FBI Investigation: Uncovering the Eminem Music Leak
The investigation began after employees at Effigy Studios noticed the unauthorized online distribution of the unreleased music and contacted the FBI. A key piece of evidence came from a UK-based Eminem fan who contacted producer Fredwreck, a frequent collaborator with Eminem and Dr. Dre.
The fan provided information about “Doja Rat” and his online claims of purchasing the music. This tip, combined with Fredwreck’s since-deleted social media post vowing to find the leaker, helped investigators focus on Strange.
Evidence Seized: Hard Drives and Eminem Memorabilia
A search warrant executed at Strange’s residence on January 28 yielded significant evidence, according to the FBI. Agents seized hard drives containing thousands of audio files, including the unreleased Eminem music.
Investigators also discovered handwritten lyrics, notes, and a videotape of an unreleased Eminem music video, reportedly stashed in a safe. Financial records allegedly linked Strange to Bitcoin payments corresponding to the sale of the stolen music.
Copyright Infringement: Charges and Potential Penalties
The charges against Strange carry substantial potential penalties. If convicted of criminal copyright infringement, he faces a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The charge of interstate transportation of stolen goods carries a maximum sentence of ten years in prison.
Eminem’s Response: “Significant Damage” to Artistic Legacy
Eminem’s representatives have expressed their strong condemnation of the alleged theft. Spokesperson Dennis Dennehy released a statement emphasizing the “significant damage” caused by Strange’s actions.
Mr. Dennehy said, “Eminem and his team are very appreciative of the efforts by the FBI Detroit bureau for its thorough investigation which led to the charges against Joe Strange. The significant damage caused by a trusted employee to Eminem’s artistic legacy and creative integrity cannot be overstated, let alone the enormous financial losses incurred by the many creators and collaborators that deserve protection for their decades of work. We will continue to take any and all steps necessary to protect Eminem’s art and will stop at nothing to do so.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Julie Beck underscored the importance of protecting intellectual property rights. “Protecting intellectual property from thieves is critical in safeguarding the exclusive rights of creators and protecting their original work from reproduction and distribution by individuals who seek to profit from the creative output of others,” she said in a statement.
Cheyvoryea Gibson, special agent in charge of the FBI in Michigan, added, “This investigation underscores the FBI’s commitment to safeguarding artists’ intellectual property from exploitation by individuals seeking to profit illegally. Thanks to the cooperation of Mathers Music Studio, FBI agents from the Oakland County Resident Agency were able to swiftly enforce federal laws and ensure Joseph Strange was held accountable for his actions.”
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Yona has no crypto positions and does not hold any crypto assets. This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The Shib Daily is an official media and publication of the Shiba Inu cryptocurrency project. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial adviser before making any investment decisions.
