Grammy-Winning Rapper Pras of the Fugees Gets 14 Years for Illicit Scheme to Funnel Foreign Millions into Obama’s Campaign

In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and beyond, Prakazrel “Pras” Michel, the Grammy-winning rapper and founding member of the legendary hip-hop group the Fugees, was sentenced to 14 years in prison on November 20, 2025.

Convicted in a sweeping conspiracy case, Pras was found guilty of illegally funneling tens of millions of dollars from a foreign billionaire into former President Barack Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign.

This dramatic fall from grace encapsulates not only a personal tragedy but also raises serious questions about the intersections of celebrity, politics, and international finance.

Once celebrated for his lyrical genius alongside fellow Fugees Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean, Pras’s public persona of unity and social consciousness stands in stark contrast to the verdict that has now defined his legacy.

U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly delivered the sentence following a high-profile trial that captivated the nation, featuring testimony from surprising witnesses, including Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio and former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

In April 2023, after an intense courtroom battle, a jury convicted Pras on 10 counts, which included conspiracy, acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government, money laundering, witness tampering, and falsifying records.

Prosecutors did not hold back, stating that Pras had “betrayed his country for money” and “lied unapologetically and unrelentingly to carry out his schemes.”

At the heart of this scandal is Low Taek Jho, commonly known as Jho Low, a Malaysian financier and fugitive linked to the infamous 1MDB scandal.

Allegations suggest that Low funneled over $120 million to Pras, who orchestrated a scheme to pass a portion of that money through American “straw donors”—individuals who contributed to the campaign using their names but were secretly funded by Low.

The motive? According to prosecutors, Low sought nothing more than a photo-op with President Obama.

During the trial, Pras testified that he viewed these contributions as favors, describing them as “free money.”

He insisted he had no knowledge that his actions would violate U.S. campaign finance laws.

However, the prosecution painted a far more sinister picture, asserting that Pras actively worked to obstruct a U.S. Justice Department investigation into Low, leveraging his connections in Washington, D.C., to hinder efforts to uncover the truth.

The case against Pras extended beyond campaign finance violations.

Prosecutors accused him of tampering with witnesses and committing perjury during his testimony.

One of the charges against him was for failing to register as an agent of a foreign power—a serious accusation that underscored the gravity of his actions.

The trial featured high-profile figures like Leonardo DiCaprio, who testified about his connections to Low and the extravagant lifestyle that came with it.

DiCaprio’s involvement added a layer of drama to the proceedings, showcasing the intertwining of Hollywood, politics, and international finance.

Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions also provided testimony, emphasizing the national security implications of the case.

Prosecutors sought a life sentence for Pras, arguing that his betrayal and greed warranted the harshest punishment.

However, Judge Kollar-Kotelly ultimately imposed a 14-year sentence along with an order for Pras to forfeit nearly $65 million.

In response, Pras’s defense team labeled the sentence as “completely disproportionate,” asserting that a life sentence would be more appropriate for terrorists or major drug lords than for a musician accused of political crimes.

His attorney, Peter Zeidenberg, announced plans to appeal the verdict.

In a bizarre twist, Pras had previously requested a new trial, claiming that his former defense team had used a generative AI tool to assist in crafting their closing argument.

However, the court rejected this plea, ruling that the use of AI did not constitute “a serious miscarriage of justice.”

The implications of Pras’s sentencing are far-reaching.

It marks a significant downfall for a hip-hop icon once celebrated for his contributions to social justice and unity.

The Fugees, known for their million-selling album The Score, symbolized artistic integrity and cultural rebellion, but now Pras’s legacy is marred by involvement in an international criminal conspiracy.

Moreover, the case underscores the global ramifications of the 1MDB scandal, with Jho Low remaining a fugitive and his influence stretching from Hollywood to Washington, D.C.

The Department of Justice framed the verdict as a reminder that influence-peddling through illicit means poses a national threat.

As lead prosecutor John Keller stated, Pras’s greed jeopardized the integrity of America’s political system.

Legal experts are already speculating about potential appeals.

Pras’s defense maintains that he was naive and did not fully comprehend the legal implications of his actions, insisting that the cash was merely a glamorous favor.

However, prosecutors argue that the evidence—ranging from witness tampering to perjury and money laundering—paints a picture of calculated deception and ambition.

Debate is raging in both legal and cultural circles.

Some question whether 14 years is too lenient for someone who attempted to influence a U.S. presidential election.

Others wonder if this case serves as a warning to celebrities who engage in international finance.

Additionally, discussions are emerging about the ethical responsibilities of artists in politics and the role of AI in the courtroom.

As Pras Michel prepares to surrender in early 2026, the questions loom large: Will he serve his entire sentence? Can he salvage any part of his musical legacy? And will the international players behind this scandal, particularly Jho Low, ever face true consequences for their actions?

This dramatic fall from rap royalty to convicted conspirator paints a chilling portrait of the high stakes involved in the intersection of music, politics, and foreign influence.

Pras’s sentencing serves as a stark reminder that the allure of power can lead to devastating consequences, and when the ties between celebrity and illicit finance unravel, they rarely do so quietly.