US prosecutor closes case against Jho Low's lobbyist

A US jury will begin deliberating on Monday on whether Pras Michel - a Grammy-winning rapper-turned-political influencer, was guilty of lobbying on behalf of Malaysian fugitive, Low Taek Jho, popularly known as Jho Low, and China.

Prosecutor Sean Mulryne, in his summation to the jurors, said Michel, 50, was central in a failed plot to lobby Donald Trump's administration to end US probes on Jho Low, who allegedly paid US$100 million (RM443 million) to Michel.

Michel was also accused of acting for China in seeking the extradition of Guo Wengui, an exiled Chinese businessperson.

Prosecutors claimed that Michel (above, left) pocketed US$70 million (RM310 million) from Low's attempt to lobby the Trump government and another US$18 million (RM79 million) in fees Low paid to get close to former US president Barack Obama.

The trial had revealed that Low had in 2012 - through Michel's help - secured an invitation to Obama's Christmas party-cum-fundraiser in Washington DC. Jho Low then had a photograph taken while flanked by the former first couple.

Another fundraiser

Earlier that year, Low's father Larry managed to find his way to another fundraiser in Miami, Florida - also with Michel's help - where the senior Low sat next to Obama.

Prosecution witness, actor Leonardo DiCaprio testified earlier in the trial that Low had planned to donate up to US$30 million (RM133 million) to help Obama's 2012 re-election campaign.

At the time, Low was already under the spotlight for his involvement with 1MDB - a sovereign wealth fund that was the brainchild of former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak - and partying with famous celebrities.

1MDB raised billions in borrowings meant for strategic investments. However, various jurisdictions across the globe - including Malaysia - have concluded that much of 1MDB's funds were siphoned off.

Low was indicted alongside Michel. However, Low's trial has not commenced as he is believed to be in hiding in China.

Obama campaign

Michel, in his defence, argued that he was unaware that he was obligated to disclose his activities under the US Foreign Agents Registration Act and that any donations to the Obama campaign by his associates were not funded by Low.

Defence lawyer David Kenner told the jurors that Michel did not attempt to influence the US government.

"In 2012, Low wanted a photograph," Kenner said. "That’s what this entire case is about."

Kenner said Michel was not obligated to vet Low.

"Is that a burden an American citizen has to take on his shoulders before he begins to hang out with somebody?" asked Kenner.

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