Rapper Prakazrel "Pras Michel" of the Fugees is currently facing criminal charges stemming from an alleged illegal lobbying campaign. In recent court proceedings, Michel testified that he received $20 million from Malaysian financier Jho Low to help him get a photo with former President Barack Obama. According to Michel, some of these funds were used for three friends to attend $40,000-a-plate fundraisers for Obama.
Federal prosecutors have accused Michel of violating federal election laws by funneling approximately $2 million from Low into Obama's 2012 campaign coffers and concealing the source of the money through the use of straw donors. Additionally, Michel is suspected of attempting to persuade the Trump-era Justice Department to abandon its civil and criminal investigations into Low regarding his involvement in the 1MDB scandal.
During his testimony, US rapper Prakazrel Michel claimed that Jho Low did not instruct him explicitly to make campaign donations using the provided funds for obtaining a photograph with Barack Obama. However, he admitted allocating some portion of this money for three acquaintances who attended high-priced fundraisers on behalf of Obama.
Michel also faces accusations related to collaboration with Jho Low in three separate schemes which allegedly netted him millions-of-dollars as payment. Legal experts are closely monitoring this case due its potential ramifications on political lobbying practices within American politics.
When reached out for comments about these allegations against Pras Michel and their connection with former President Barack Obama's fundraising activities; White House spokesperson Jennifer Adams stated: "The Administration has no comment at this time concerning ongoing legal matters."
As deliberations continue over whether or not any wrongdoing occurred during these transactions between Prakazrel "Pras" Michel and Malaysian financier Jho Low - one thing remains clear: This case has thrust the issue of illegal lobbying and campaign financing onto the national stage, prompting a new round of discussions about regulation and transparency within American politics.