Fugees Member Pras Michél Speaks Out After Being Convicted In Billion Dollar Fraud Scheme: ‘I Never Wanted to Be A Spy’

Pras Michel

Fugees Member Pras Michél Speaks Out After Being Convicted In Billion Dollar Fraud Scheme: ‘I Never Wanted to Be A Spy’

Grammy Award winner and Fugees founder, Pras Michél, is getting candid about his involvement in a billion-dollar fraud scheme that’s left him facing 22 years behind bars.

In a recent interview with Variety, the 53-year-old reflected on getting caught up in the 1Malaysia Development Berhad scandal, known as 1DMB, stating:

“I don’t know if subconsciously it was a bit exciting for me…I like spy movies, but I never wanted to be a spy. I don’t think that’s sexy. But a part of it felt like that.”

Continuing:

“Technically, I’m a foreign agent.”

 

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The American government prosecuted and convicted Michél under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, on charges related to aiding and abetting Malaysian businessman Jho Low, who’s accused of stealing $4.5 billion from Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund by funneling money to his accounts.

During a lengthy trial, prosecutors accused Michél of helping Low hide his criminal activity by gaining favor among Hollywood and government elites, expensing some of the stolen funds to projects such as the 2013 film “Wolf of Wall Street,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio, as well as donating to Barack Obama’s 2012 presidential campaign.

Michél, according to his attorneys, was simply used as a proxy by Low who only wanted to boost his reputation and gain credibility in the states.

The trial resulted in a guilty conviction for Michél, which carries a potential sentence of 22 years in prison. Elsewhere in the interview, the musician shared his plans to fight the verdict, stating:

“I’m going to fight, and I’m going to appeal, but there’s a possibility that I’m going in while I’m fighting…It’s just the reality.”

Michél’s sentencing date is scheduled for January 2025.

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[VIA]