An American rapper, producer, and a founding member of the hip-hop group Fugees was found guilty in federal court for organizing a vast international conspiracy that included millions of dollars in foreign currency.
The rapper was also accused of illegal lobbying and campaign contributions to former President Barack Obama’s 2012 campaign.
According to accusations filed by the prosecution, Prakazrel Michel, commonly known as Pras, took $865,000 from Malaysian financier Low Taek Jho and used it to finance a network of straw donors who contributed to the 2012 presidential campaign of former President Barack Obama.
Michel was also accused of trying to persuade the Trump administration and the Justice Department to end their federal inquiries into Low. He was also charged with theft, as well as helping China in its attempts to repatriate a Chinese dissident.
The Justice Department confirmed that Low is a wanted fugitive who has been sought out by law authorities in both Malaysia and the United States for his involvement in the theft of 4.5 billion dollars from a Malaysian sovereign wealth fund. The case reportedy played a role in the former prime minister of that nation, Najib Razak, losing the election and ultimately being charged.
Additionally, Michel was responsible for the Federal Election Commission, receiving false reports from a presidential joint fundraising committee and an independent expenditure committee.
In addition to conspiring to launder money and give dishonest statements to financial institutions in connection with foreign influence activities, he also allegedly made a false declaration to the FEC.
In a statement, special agent Harry A. Lidsky of the DOJ’s Office of Inspector General claimed that the former president of the United States and the former Attorney General were among the top government officials who were inappropriately influenced by a vast conspiracy in which Michel played a key role.
Overall, Michel was found guilty of 10 criminal offenses, including money laundering, illegal lobbying, witness tampering, and violations of campaign finance laws. Michel got millions of dollars for his involvement in the scams. The maximum sentence he will be facing is 20-year imprisonment.
The decision serves as a caution to anyone attempting to surreptitiously support foreign actors wanting to meddle in the democratic system of government in the United States.
