US authorities to charge former rap star over 1MDB-linked funds for Obama campaign

KUALA LUMPUR (May 10): Ex-rap star Pras Michel will be charged today by the US government over campaign-finance violations to Barack Obama’s 2012 presidential re-election campaign, which was said to have originated from currently on the run businessman/deal maker Jho Low, reported Bloomberg today.

Two people briefed on the matter told Bloomberg that Michel will be charged in Washington of contributing funds to pro-Obama organisations without disclosing their foreign origin, specifically from Low.

The report also said that at least one other individual could be charged in relation to the case.

It also stated that “the charges… are an outgrowth” of a wide US Justice Department probe into fraud and corruption at 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).

The news service wrote that US prosecutors “are leading the investigation into how 1MDB funds were used to influence government officials”.

It also reported late last year that “a former Justice Department employee pleaded guilty to a charge of bank fraud conspiracy for his role in setting up bank accounts that would allow Low to pay for lobbying activities in Washington”.