Former Fugees band member Pras Michel dumbfounded longtime fans when he voluntarily gave up information to the FBI. He is now being denounced as an informant for the feds.
Urbanites have a particular disdain for informants and agent provocateurs based on the FBI’s reported role in the decimation of Black organizations during the Civil Rights and Black Power movements in the 1960s.
During his March 2023 trial, prosecutors charged Pras with “conspiring to make illegal campaign contributions using foreign funds,” witness tampering and failing to register as a foreign agent of the Chinese government.
He faces multiple charges including money laundering, campaign finance violations, acting as an unregistered agent for foreign nationals, witness tampering and lying to banks, according to NBC News.
As the case goes to the jury, Pras is facing up to 22 years in prison for allegedly using foreign connections and money to influence the U.S. government.
Pras is testifying in his own defense. Told the judge: "After consulting with my attorneys and the universe, I decided that I will testify.”
— Dan Friedman (@dfriedman33) April 18, 2023
Prosecutors said they have evidence to prove that Pras was paid a total of $20 million to funnel $1.1 million to Barack Obama’s 2012 campaign through a shadowy figure known as billionaire Jho Low, according to CNN. Low is a reported fugitive of the Malaysian government who is being sought for his connection to the Malaysia Development Berhad scandal.
Additionally, prosecutors said Pras also contributed to Trump’s campaign through Low.
Pras told Rolling Stone that he readily gave up information to the Department of Justice.
“What benefit would I get trying to break laws? It’s not worth it to me,” Pras told Rolling Stone. “I’m like a pariah now. I’ve got friends who won’t talk to me because they think there’s a satellite in orbit listening to them.”
Finding out that Pras, as he is most often called, reportedly gave state evidence to the FBI is crushing to many fans of the groundbreaking group.
When you consider Wyclef's charity scams, Pras being a fed, Lauryn's live performance grift, and John Forte's dope dealing the Fugees camp is first team All- Infamous.
— DBRP (@DadBodRapPod) April 24, 2023
I knew Pras was an FBI informant when I heard him say "beedee bee beedee bee beedee beebo" on a track and he never got arrested once.
— Mekhi Phifer Dawg 🇯🇲 (@Slakonbothsides) April 23, 2023
If Pras from the legendary Fugees is an FBI informant, how many more rappers are secretly in the FBI? pic.twitter.com/X9fN0zlXw4
— Dennis Darkɔ (@iamdennisdarko) April 23, 2023
pras from the fugees was a got damn fbi informant ??? pic.twitter.com/VbqzFFzaAW
— They Want Me Dead Like Pac (@KingMosesDaGod) April 23, 2023
Pras was an FBI informant, Ghetto Superstar won’t hit the same for me
— Moneybagg Jo #GBGČ (@Jo_boy3oh2) April 24, 2023
As someone who grew up on the Fugees. This pras news is just wild.
— Yusuf Yuie ✨ Black Joy (@YusufYuie) April 22, 2023
The solo careers of the Fugees have been interesting to watch.
Lauryn created one of the most beloved albums of the 90s and R&B in general, Wyclef has had some successful songs and features, Pras is in jail for being an FBI informant.
— CaptainPuffin 🏳️⚧️ (@puffin_captain) April 24, 2023
Y'all knew this?
Was Pras an FBI informant?
He worked with the feds as an informant and also acted as a celebrity in our culture Hip-Hop
— D2Smoove (@CTFU_D_215) April 24, 2023
Lauryn Hill: The Miseducation of LH
Wyclef Jean: The Carnival
Pras: That one song with Mya from Bulworth where Warren Beatty thinks he’s Black and you are surprised he’s an FBI informant?— تمار 🌴 Тама́р 🌴 תמר (@tamars) April 24, 2023
Not Pras being the concierge of crime and FBI informant. https://t.co/xvlECqW0Du pic.twitter.com/PuUzwN0HoX
— RiverSongBlueBox💙💙 (@PoetaChica) April 24, 2023
