The Fugees' Pras Michel Faces US Government $64M Asset Seizure Over Embezzlement Case
Former Fugees member Pras Michel faces a $64 million government seizure following his conviction on financial charges linked to Malaysian financier Jho Low and the 1MDB embezzlement scandal.
Pras Michel of The Fugees
Federal prosecutors filed a motion in Washington, D.C., seeking $64,923,226.40 in forfeiture, representing funds allegedly funneled into Michel's accounts through illicit means. The government claims Michel received approximately $104 million from Low to influence U.S. officials, including efforts to dismiss a Justice Department investigation into Low and facilitate the extradition of a Chinese dissident.
Court documents reveal Michel concealed the money's origins through shell companies, fake contracts, and fraudulent financial agreements. Prosecutors assert he collaborated with co-conspirators to circumvent U.S. banking regulations.
Michel now faces up to 20 years in prison in what has become one of the most significant celebrity cases involving foreign lobbying. The case coincides with Michel's separate legal dispute with former Fugees bandmate Lauryn Hill over a canceled reunion tour.
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