The figure is unprecedented for an unpublished work and trumps the $2m (£1.6m) paid for the first four Harry Potter books, reflecting Hollywood’s and the public’s keen interest in stories of high-profile swindlers.

SBF has so far inspired eight separate film projects and at least three books, including one by Bloomberg journalist Zeke Faux, whose own crypto-focused book also features Mr Bankman-Fried. Mr Faux has publicly criticised Mr Lewis for what he perceived to be an overly favourable interview with SBF, sparking debates about journalistic integrity, Fortune reports.