Pras Michel, a founding member of the legendary hip-hop group Fugees, was found guilty on numerous counts of conspiracy to corrupt U.S. officials.
The 50-year-old star, a Chinese government influencer, was allegedly convicted on 10 counts of criminal activity throughout the Obama and Trump administrations.
Among other things, the jury found Michel guilty of failing to register as a foreign agent and of interfering with witnesses.
The money came from a Malaysian fugitive and businessman called Jho Low, according to allegations made against Michel.
Consistently mentioned in discussions about who is buying and selling international influence and who is funding America’s cultural elite.
Here’s what we currently know:
BREAKING: Ex-Fugees rapper Pras Michel who Funneled $800,000 to @BarackObama's Campaign in 2012 found guilty in scheme to help #China influence US government
— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) April 27, 2023
Grammy award-winning Fugees rapper Pras Michel was found guilty on Wednesday of ten criminal counts related to an… pic.twitter.com/pJkiuzTEWl
In a failed attempt to help Malaysian billionaire Jho Low and the Chinese government gain access to US politicians, including former presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump, the Grammy-winning musician and former member of the Fugees was found guilty on numerous counts of conspiracy.
Michel was found guilty on three counts: conspiring to defraud the United States, interfering with witnesses, and operating as an unregistered agent of a foreign government. He might go to jail for up to 20 years. There was no date set for sentencing.
Michel remained silent as the Wednesday verdicts were read and did not address the media outside the courthouse.
David Kenner, his attorney, said the findings were disappointing but that he was optimistic that their mistrial arguments would be successful.
“We are extremely disappointed in that result but are very, very confident in the ultimate outcome of this case,” Kenner told reporters, adding: “If we do move to a sentencing hearing I remain very confident we will certainly appeal this case. This is not over.”
Along with Michel, Jho Low was charged, and he is now presumed to be in China.