Photo Credit: Pras Michel for Miami Film Festival / CC by 2.0
Pras Michel faces $64 million government seizure following his conviction on financial charges related to his relationship with fugitive Jho Low.
The Fugees’ Pras Michel is facing the government seizure of $64 million following his conviction on financial charges related to illegal lobbying efforts and fraud designed to bypass the U.S. financial system. These charges stem from his relationship with fugitive Jho Low, the Malaysian financier at the center of the 1MDB embezzlement scandal.
Prosecutors filed a motion in Washington, D.C., requesting a forfeiture judgement of $64,923,226.40, which they claim represents funds funneled into Pras’ accounts on behalf of Low through covert means. They allege Pras received around $104 million from Low to influence U.S. government officials, which included lobbying for the dismissal of a Justice Department investigation into Low, and pushing for the extradition of a Chinese dissident at Beijing’s behest.
According to court documents, Pras concealed the origins of these funds through a network of shell companies, fake contracts, and fraudulent financial agreements. Prosecutors allege he worked with a team of co-conspirators who reportedly orchestrated a scheme to access U.S. banks.
“Michel [and co-conspirators] created fake contracts and agreements and repeatedly lied to financial institutions to fraudulently obtain access to $104.24 million from Low,” prosecutors write in their filing.
The requested $64 million represents funds not yet recovered from the criminal activities to which Pras is linked. He faces a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years, and his trial has become one of the most high-profile celebrity cases involving foreign lobbying.
The news follows Pras’ attempt to sue fellow Fugees member Lauryn Hill over her cancellation of their highly anticipated reunion tour over the summer. Besides their work as the Fugees, both she and Wyclef Jean have continually flourished in music with their solo work.
