Pras Michel, best known as a founding member of the iconic hip-hop group Fugees, has begun serving a 14-year federal prison sentence following his 2023 conviction on multiple criminal charges.
According to reports, Michel turned himself in at the Federal Correctional Institution Safford, where he will serve time after being found guilty on counts including money laundering, illegal lobbying, campaign finance violations, and conspiracy.
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The rapper had initially sought to remain free on bail while appealing the conviction. However, U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly denied the request, granting him a brief extension before requiring him to report to prison.
In a statement, his spokesperson described the moment as deeply difficult for Michel and his family, while emphasizing that his legal team plans to continue challenging the case on appeal, particularly the charges tied to the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), which requires individuals acting on behalf of foreign entities to register with the government.
Michel’s conviction stems from a complex international case involving fugitive financier Jho Low, who is widely accused of orchestrating the multibillion-dollar 1MDB scandal. Prosecutors alleged that Michel funneled funds linked to Low into U.S. political campaigns and lobbied officials during the administration of Donald Trump in an effort to influence investigations and policy decisions.
He was also accused of attempting to influence an extradition case tied to China and of channeling foreign money into the 2012 presidential campaign of Barack Obama.
On November 20, 2025, Michel was sentenced after being convicted on 10 counts, including witness tampering and acting as an unregistered foreign agent.
In the weeks leading up to his surrender, Michel reportedly spent time with family and close associates, including appearances alongside artists like Lauryn Hill, Dave Chappelle, and Erykah Badu.
While his legal team prepares an appeal, Michel now begins serving a sentence that marks a dramatic turn for a figure once celebrated as part of one of hip-hop’s most influential groups.
