Pras Michel’s money laundering trial will include Leonardo DiCaprio
In 2019, Pras Michel, the Fugees’ creator, was charged with conspiracy to launder money for political purposes in the 2012 election cycle. Leonardo DiCaprio will be testifying as a key witness.
In the government’s case against Prakazrel “Pras” Michel, the Oscar winner for The Revenant will be one of 72 witnesses.
A four-count indictment states that Michel conspired with Malaysian fugitive financier Jho Low to receive and conceal funds from overseas for his campaign. Pras allegedly gave substantial campaign contributions to an unknown U.S. presidential contender through the use of straw donors.
Numerous American officials have charged Jho Low with orchestrating a plot to launder money and bribe witnesses in order to steal billions of dollars from 1MDB, the Malaysian government’s investment fund. However, Low has not been incarcerated. Some of the money that was laundered was allegedly used to pay for jewelry, artwork, and various Hollywood films, including The Wolf of Wall Street, thus DiCaprio was called to testify about this.
One Malaysian Dollar (1MDB) is the name given to the stolen funds, which have caused a political controversy in Malaysia.
In 2018, the Department of Justice announced charges against Jho Low and two former Goldman Sachs bankers in connection with a money laundering and bribery operation intended to promote economic development projects.
John Kelly, the former White House chief of staff, Matt Pottinger, the former deputy national security advisor, and casino billionaire Steven Wynn are all expected to speak.