From Fugees to Courtroom Drama: Pras Michel’s Role in a Billion-Dollar Scandal

Pras Michel, a founding member of the legendary hip-hop group Fugees, has been found guilty on all counts of conspiracy to launder money for fugitive Malaysian billionaire Jho Low. The April 2023 conviction marks the culmination of a years-long investigation into one of the most sprawling financial scandals in history—the $4.5 billion looting of Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund, 1MDB.

The story reads like a Hollywood script, filled with shadowy encounters, secret codes, and international intrigue. As reported by Variety, one pivotal moment involved Pras entering the Four Seasons Hotel in Manhattan, using the phrase “banana peel” to retrieve an envelope at the concierge. He was then ushered into a hidden elevator typically reserved for high-profile dignitaries at risk of assassination and taken to a penthouse suite.

Inside the suite, Pras met Sun Lijun, the third-highest-ranking official in China, who held a cigarette and a copy of an email from then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions regarding American hostages in China. The surreal meeting involved discussions of hostage negotiations, with Pras suggesting the release of a pregnant woman as a goodwill gesture. A week later, federal agents apprehended him in New York City, launching a legal battle that would grip headlines worldwide.

GET THE FULL STORY FROM THE SOURCE

Views: 12

Reply to This

Best guide to hip hop, soul, reggae concerts & events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & New York City + music, videos, radio and more

Connect

Subscribe to E-Blast

WIN TICKETS

Destroy Lonely
Friday, Dec 6 @ Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, SF

Tower of Power
Saturday, Dec 21 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Members

Photos

  • Add Photos
  • View All

Latest Activity

Cali's Nightclub is now a member of True Skool Network
10 minutes ago
Phillip Ranelli posted an event
Thumbnail

WINTICKETS NATE WERTH of SNARKY PUPPY (Nate's WERTHLESS GOOD TIME) + DANGERATE (D8) at Boom Boom Room

December 14, 2024 at 9pm to December 15, 2024 at 2am
#Wintickets  Funkin Spectacular Badazz Music experience led by Nate Werth NATE WERTH of SNARKY PUPPY (Nate's WERTHLESS GOOD TIME) + DANGERATE (D8 feat Daniel Cohen)   @ Boom Boom Room Sat Dec 14 9PM $15(adv)/$20(door) Members of Snarky Puppy and Ghost-Note  (+ members of... OTIS McDONALD, ATTA KID & More...) Funk/ TO WINTICKETS Share this post on social media then email…See More
2 hours ago
Editor's Pick posted discussions
22 hours ago
Artistpr posted a blog post

Emerging Artist Líder Giova to Release Highly Anticipated Single "MAMII"

Fusing Latin, Pop, and R&B, the track promises a unique sound and heartfelt storytelling.Brooklyn, New York — Líder Giova, the rising star in Latin, Pop, and R&B, announces the release of his latest single, MAMII. Set to drop on December 7, 2024, the track is…See More
yesterday
realmuzik posted a discussion

PB Mogul Impresses With New Single “20 On The Stove” ft. 38 Spesh

PB Mogul is an electrifying hip-hop artist hailing from Utica, NY, a small urban city in Upstate New York. Overcoming significant challenges, PB Mogul’s journey from the streets to the stage is a testament to his determination, talent, and unrelenting drive. Growing up without his parents, dropping out of high school, and turning to the streets, he developed a raw and…See More
yesterday
Editor's Pick shared their video on Facebook
yesterday
Editor's Pick posted videos
yesterday
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

GROOVE LOUNGE with guest DJ Malachi and resident Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist at The Miranda, Oakland

December 27, 2024 at 9pm to December 28, 2024 at 1:45am
FRIDAY, DEC 27Groove LoungeSoul / R&B / Hip Hop / AfrobeatFeaturing:DJ Malachi (True Skool)@ The Miranda, 1739 Broadway, OaklandNo cover | 9pm-1:30am | 21+ABOUT REN THE VINYL ARCHAEOLOGISTAs a Bay Area resident hailing from New York, Ren the…See More
yesterday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
yesterday
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

THROWBACK (All Throwbacks: Soul, Funk, Hip Hop, Reggae & more) featuring Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist at Hello Stranger Bar, Oakland

December 11, 2024 at 9pm to December 12, 2024 at 1:45am
WEDNESDAY DEC 11 THROWBACK (2nd & 4th Wednesdays) All Throwbacks: Hip Hop, Soul/Funk, Reggae +more!Featuring Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist (True Skool)at Hello Stranger Bar, 1724 Broadway, Oakland. Doors 8pm. DJ Set…See More
yesterday
Tampa Mystic posted a blog post

Bone The Mack and Nkese Williams-Hayes Release a Stirring Single “Surviving Andre”

Bone The Mack and Nkese Williams-Hayes, dropped a new track, Surviving Andre, on November 22, 2024. Produced and engineered by Rock Ali, the song serves as a single for the forthcoming documentary Surviving Andre Part 2. This emotionally charged piece directly addresses Andre Vann, with the powerful line “Jeremaine Is Not your dad” encapsulating the personal and confrontational essence of the song. Bone The Mack and Nkese Williams-Hayes heartfelt delivery and raw lyricism make this track an…See More
Tuesday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Monday

© 2024   Created by Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service