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Pras Michel Sentenced to 14 Years Over Role in 1MDB-Linked Political-Funding Scheme

Prakazrel 'Pras' Michel, a founding member of the Fugees, was sentenced to 168 months (14 years) after his 2023 conviction on money laundering, campaign finance and related charges tied to an international scheme prosecutors link to Malaysian financier Jho Low. Authorities say the scheme routed millions through shell companies into U.S. political channels, including allegations related to the 2012 campaign. Michel's attorney calls the sentence disproportional and plans to appeal, pointing to lighter outcomes for other defendants. The case is connected to the broader 1MDB scandal that toppled Malaysia's former prime minister.

12:03 AM, 11/22/2025Politics
Pras Michel Sentenced to 14 Years Over Role in 1MDB-Linked Political-Funding Scheme

Prakazrel 'Pras' Michel, a founding member of 1990s hip-hop group the Fugees, was sentenced to 168 months (14 years) in federal prison after his 2023 conviction on charges including money laundering, campaign finance violations, conspiracy, forgery and acting as an undisclosed agent of a foreign government. Prosecutors said Michel helped move millions of dollars from a scheme tied to Malaysian financier Low Taek Jho—commonly known as Jho Low—into U.S. political channels.

The jury found Michel guilty on 10 counts following a trial that included testimony from actor Leonardo DiCaprio. Prosecutors say some funds were routed through shell companies to conceal their origin and were funneled toward the 2012 re-election effort of then-President Barack Obama; Michel's lawyers dispute those characterizations and have promised to appeal.

We believe the verdict was unsupported by the evidence and that the sentence is completely disproportional to the facts alleged, particularly when compared to his codefendants,
Michel's attorney Peter Zeidenberg said after sentencing, adding that Michel intends to challenge both the conviction and the length of the term.

Zeidenberg highlighted the differing outcomes for other figures tied to the broader investigation: Elliott Broidy, a former Trump fundraiser, was pardoned; George Higginbotham, a former Justice Department official, received probation; and Nickie Lum Davis was sentenced to 24 months. The defense argues Michel received a harsher penalty largely because he chose to go to trial.

Federal prosecutors described Michel's conduct as a betrayal of U.S. political finance rules, saying he played a role in channeling prohibited foreign money into an American election. The alleged scheme is connected to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal, in which billions were allegedly siphoned from a Malaysian state investment fund and used to purchase luxury properties, artwork and to finance Hollywood projects.

Jho Low, the Malaysian financier at the center of the wider investigation, is a fugitive believed to be in China. The 1MDB revelations contributed to the political downfall of former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and led to his subsequent conviction on related charges.

Michel, 53, who grew up in Brooklyn and is Haitian-American, co-founded the Fugees with Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean. At their 1990s peak the group sold tens of millions of albums and won two Grammy Awards.

The case drew attention for its mix of international finance, politics and entertainment. With an appeal forthcoming, Michel's legal team says they will continue to contest the verdict and seek a reduction or reversal of the sentence.

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