Fugees Star Pras Michél Faces 22 Years in Prison for Billion-Dollar Fraud Tied to Hollywood and Politics

Grammy Award-winning artist and Fugees member Pras Michél has opened up about his involvement in a billion-dollar fraud scheme that could land him 22 years in prison. In a recent interview with Variety, the 53-year-old discussed his role in the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal, offering rare insight into how he became entangled in the controversy.

“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,” Michél revealed.

The U.S. government convicted Michél under the Foreign Agents Registration Act for aiding Malaysian businessman Jho Low, the alleged mastermind behind the theft of $4.5 billion from Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund. Prosecutors argued that Michél helped Low conceal his crimes by using stolen funds to gain influence with Hollywood elites and U.S. political figures.

High-profile beneficiaries of Low’s scheme reportedly included projects like the 2013 film The Wolf of Wall Street, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, and donations to Barack Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign.

Michél’s defense team contends that he was manipulated by Low, who sought to enhance his credibility in the U.S. by leveraging Michél’s connections. Despite his conviction, Michél remains determined to clear his name, 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.”

Pras Michél’s sentencing is set for January 2025.