What charges led to Pras Michel's 14-year prison sentence? Inside the conviction and $64 million forfeiture

Pras Michel, the Fugees member, was imprisoned, sentenced to 14 years after years of a long federal investigation. His indictment was a result of his involvement in a political influence scheme with Malaysian businessman Low Taek Jho, or Jho Low. In April 2023, Michel pleaded guilty to 10 criminal counts.

The case involved a sum of money that Michel had been paid by Jho Low and how he spent the money in the United States. Federal prosecutors indicated that Michel assisted in the transfer of millions of dollars into the country and concealed the actual origin of the funds by using straw donors. Part of this money was spent backing the reelection of Barack Obama in 2012.

Michel was also ordered to relinquish about $64 million by the court. This was the value of the political influence scheme that he received. Michel plans to appeal his conviction and sentence.

Foreign lobbying charges and political donations by Pras Michel

As reported by Rolling Stone on November 20, 2025, Pras Michel was accused of funneling more than $120 million from Jho Low into U.S. political spaces. This included using straw donors to support Barack Obama’s 2012 election campaign. The government stated that these funds originated from Low, who faced his own charges related to the 1MDB scandal. Pras Michel did not register as a foreign agent, which is required when working on behalf of a foreign government or individual.

The trial revealed that Michel took part in efforts to lobby the Trump administration. These efforts were aimed at stopping a Justice Department investigation into Low. Michel also helped push for the return of a Chinese national who was living in the United States. Prosecutors stated that Michel acted under the direction of people connected to the Chinese government.

Witnesses described plans and meetings that tied Michel to these lobbying attempts. The jury agreed that Michel’s actions met the standard for the charges. This group of offenses was a major part of the case that led to Pras Michel’s 14-year prison sentence.

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How the money flowed and why $64 million must be forfeited?

As reported by BET News on November 20, 2025, the court also ordered Pras Michel to forfeit about $64 million. This amount represented money he gained through the illegal scheme. Prosecutors said Michel used different accounts and channels to move this money. Some of the funds were allocated to political donations. Other parts were linked to lobbying efforts.

The court said the forfeiture was necessary because the money came from crimes. Under federal law, the government can take money gained through illegal activity. The ruling covered funds that Michel received directly and through partners. This part of the judgment was one of the largest in a political case in recent years.

Michel’s lawyers said he plans to appeal both the conviction and the forfeiture order. They argued that he did not know the money was tied to foreign influence. They also said he trusted others who handled the funds. The appeal process could take years.

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