After being accused of conspiring with the financier at the centre of Malaysia’s 1MDB scheme to unlawfully lobby the US government, Fugees rapper Prakazrel “Pras” Michel has been convicted.
Michel is said to have directed funds from Low Taek Jho, the fugitive Malaysian financier. That money then went to the 2012 reelection campaign of ex- US President Barack Obama. He was also accused of lobbying the Justice Department while ex-President Donald Trump was in office. This was in order to halt investigations into Low’s supposed corruption. Additionally, allegations were made that Michel urged Washington DC, on behalf of China, to send the nonconformist Chinese billionaire Guo Wengui back to China.
Michel became well-known during the 1990s with tracks like “Ready or Not” and “Killing Me Softly.”
He was found guilty on ten counts. This includes conspiracy, falsifying campaign finance records, witness tampering, and acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government. It is possible that he could receive up to 20 years in prison for the major charges.
In Michel’s defense, his lawyers say that he had gotten the wrong legal advice. They added that he was simply attempting to make money.
Michel being found guilty has come after a well-known trial that showed witnesses, including actor Leonardo DiCaprio and Trump- related Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
DiCaprio starred in Wolf of Wall Street in 2013. The film is said to have been paid for by funds stolen from Malaysia’s 1MDB sovereign wealth account. DiCaprio stated in court that Low had a lavishing lifestyle and was “sort of a prodigy in the business world.”
Low is currently an international fugitive thought to be hiding in China. He is accused of assisting in the theft of billions of dollars from 1MDB and using it for expensive property.
Low has been charged in New York for funneling $4.5 billion but has previously stated that he is not guilty of any wrongdoings.
