A former employee of rapper Eminem has been charged with criminal copyright infringement and interstate transportation of stolen goods after allegedly leaking and selling unreleased tracks from the Grammy-winning artist. According to a report by Rolling Stone, the employee, Joseph Strange, could face up to 10 years in prison for his actions.
How Did the Leak Happen?
The FBI was notified about the leak on January 16, 2025, after staff at Eminem’s Michigan recording studio discovered that unreleased tracks by the rapper, whose real name is Marshall Bruce Mathers III, had appeared online for sale. Studio staff recognized an image circulating on the internet that displayed a list of unreleased songs, which they identified as being taken from a hard drive at the studio.
The Investigation
The FBI launched an investigation and traced multiple individuals who had purchased the unauthorized tracks. These buyers identified Joseph Strange, who had worked with Eminem from 2007 to 2021, as the person responsible for distributing the music.
Legal Consequences
Strange now faces serious charges. If convicted of criminal copyright infringement, he could face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Additionally, the charge of interstate transportation of stolen goods could lead to another 10 years in prison.
