Fugees Rapper Pras Michel Sentenced to 14 Years for Illegal Lobbying
Ex-Fugees rapper jailed for illegally influencing US politics and accepting millions from foreign powers
- Pras Michel sentenced to 14 years for illegal lobbying and corruption.
- Convicted of acting as an unregistered foreign agent and campaign finance violations.
- Prosecutors say Michel received over $100m from foreign sources to influence US politics.
Prakazrel “Pras” Michel, former member of the Fugees, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for illegally lobbying and using money to influence US politics.
The Grammy Award-winning musician was found guilty in April 2023 on multiple charges, including corruption, acting as an unregistered foreign agent, witness tampering, campaign finance violations, and lying to banks. US prosecutors had originally recommended a life sentence.
US District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly delivered the sentence in Washington, DC, on Thursday. Michel, 53, did not address the court during sentencing. His lawyer described the sentence as “completely disproportionate to the offence” and confirmed plans to appeal.
Court documents show that between 2012 and 2017, Michel attempted to exert secret and illegal foreign influence during the Obama and Trump administrations. Prosecutors stated he received over $100 million (£80m) from Malaysian billionaire Jho Low, which was used to sway political processes in the US. Michel was also convicted of lobbying on behalf of China’s government.
Prosecutors accused Michel of betraying his country for personal gain, stating that he “lied unapologetically and unrelentingly” to execute his schemes, targeting the White House, FBI, and even his co-conspirators. They emphasized that his sentence reflects both the severity and the extensive reach of his crimes.
