Fugees founder, M’sian financier indicted for Obama donations

WASHINGTON: A founding member of the hip-hop group the Fugees and a flamboyant Malaysian businessman have been indicted for making illegal contributions to former US president Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign.

Haitian-American rapper Prakazrel ‘Pras’ Michel, 46, and Low Taek Jho, 37, were accused of conspiracy and other charges in the four-count indictment unsealed on Friday.

Low, also known as Jho Low, is a key figure in the 1MDB scandal, which has rocked Malaysian political and financial circles.

The presidential candidate receiving the contributions was not identified in the indictment and was referred to only as ‘Candidate A.’

But it has been widely reported and it was clear from the indictment that it was Obama.

The indictment alleges that between June and November 2012, Low transferred US$21.6 million to Michel “for the purpose of funnelling significant sums of money into the United States presidential election.”

Michel allegedly paid about US$865,000 to about 20 ‘straw donors’ so they could make donations in their names to a presidential joint fundraising committee.

More than US$1 million was allegedly funnelled to an independent committee also involved in the election.

“The object of the conspiracy was for Michel and Jho Low to gain access to, and potential influence with, Candidate A and his administration, by secretly funnelling foreign money from Jho Low through Michel,” the indictment said.

“To gain further access to and influence with Candidate A and his administration, Jho Low attended or arranged for his associates to attend events at the White House with Candidate A,” the indictment said.

It is illegal for foreign nationals to contribute to US election campaigns.

According to the indictment, Michel and Low concealed their scheme from Obama and his campaign.

Michel appeared in court in Washington on Friday and pleaded not guilty.

Low remains at large and his whereabouts are unknown.

A spokesperson for Low proclaimed his innocence in a statement.

“Mr Low is innocent – and he is presumed innocent under US law,” the statement said.

“The allegations against Mr Low have no basis in fact: Mr Low has never made any campaign contributions directly or indirectly in the US and he unequivocally denies any involvement in or knowledge of the alleged activities.”

Low has been indicted in New York in connection with the 1MDB case for allegedly conspiring to launder billions of dollars.