Fugees rapper Prakazrel “Pras” Michel has officially begun serving a 14-year prison sentence for charges related to money laundering and illegal lobbying activities.

The 53-year-old musician turned himself in on April 30 at the Federal Correctional Institution in Safford, Arizona. This follows his conviction in April 2023 on ten federal charges, including money laundering, illegal foreign lobbying, conspiracy to defraud the U.S., and witness tampering.

Pras’ spokesperson Erica Dumas described the day as a challenging one.

“Today is a painful day for Pras, for his family, and for everyone who believes in a fair system of justice,” she said.

“Pras honors the legal process as he reports to begin his sentence. The FARA (Foreign Agents Registration Act)-related charges that led to his conviction are being vigorously contested on appeal, and his legal team believes the record will show that his rights were violated and the truth was obscured. This chapter is difficult but it is not his final one.”

Pras’ sentencing initially took place in a Washington D.C. federal court on November 21, 2025. Though originally slated to surrender in March, his report date was delayed by 30 days.

In addition to his prison term, the former Fugees member faces three years of probation upon release and has been ordered to forfeit $64 million allegedly tied to his criminal activities.

The charges against Pras stem from his alleged role in an international conspiracy involving billionaire financier Jho Low, who is accused of siphoning billions from Malaysia’s 1MDB development fund.

Prosecutors claim Pras acted on Low’s behalf to illegally lobby U.S. officials. Additionally, Pras was linked to a scandal surrounding President Barack Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign, with accusations that he helped funnel foreign funds into campaign contributions.

Authorities allege that he personally profited millions from these illegal operations.