Lawyers for former Fugees member Pras Michel, who has been charged with making illegal campaign contributions and failure to register as an agent of China, present their defense.
, the Grammy-winning rapper and producer who has been charged with making illegal campaign contributions and failure to register as an agent of China, began presenting their case Monday in federal court., Michel’s lead lawyer, David Kenner, delivered a 25-minute statement that leaned into his client's upbringing and commercial success — a stark contrast to the government's approach in late March when federal prosecutors gave their opening statement.
Kenner then described the first couple of “chance” meetings between Michel and his absent co-defendant, Jho Low, a Malaysian billionaire who is suspected of stealing billions from a Malaysian sovereign wealth fund, 1MDB. Low has not been arrested and remains an international fugitive. Michel saw Low spend “ridiculous” amounts of money on celebrity friends, real estate, entertainment companies and other ventures, Kenner said.
In their opening statement, prosecutors portrayed Michel as cash-strapped and willing to do the bidding of a foreign government in exchange for a payday. Kenner did not deny that Michel was paid for work he did with Low, but he told jurors Monday there was nothing illegal about the payments.Kenner also told jurors that Michel, Low and others involved in their alleged scheme to lobby the Trump administration never agreed to violate the Foreign Agent Registration Act by concealing their efforts.
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