Fugees Member Pras Michel Found Guilty on 10 Counts of International Fraud

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Fugees member Pras Michel was unsuccessful in maintaining his innocence in court involving international fraud.

The Grammy-award winner was found guilty on 10 counts “related to what prosecutors called a clandestine foreign influence campaign scheme" funded by Malaysian billionaire Jho Low.

Michel was accused of  “conspiring to make illegal campaign contributions using foreign funds” in order to help Low gain political influence in the US in exchange for millions of dollars. 

According to prosecutors, Pras allegedly used Low’s money to donate 1.1. million to Barack Obama’s campaign back in 2012.

Pras allegedly contributed to Trump’s campaign as well and the rapper also received over $100 million from Lowe to help persuade the administration to stop a federal fraud investigation into Low's business dealings, and send a Chinese dissident who is in the U.S. back to China to face criminal charges.

The rapper also allegedly accepted $20 million over the course of nine months to help Low secure a photo with the Obamas during a holiday party.

Michel testified Tuesday that he was unaware the federal laws that required him to register as a foreign agent if doing work on China's behalf, and that he would have done so if advised. 

His attorney David Kenner argued that his client believed he had acted in the best interest of the U.S. at the time and did not act as a foreign agent of China.

Low, was also listed as a co-defendent in the case but is currently an international fugitive.