On Monday, Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio testified in the trial of rapper Prakazrel “Pras” Michel. He is accused of involvement in an illegal foreign influence campaign.
This trial was overshadowed by Tuesday’s indictment of former President Trump.
The trial alleges that Malaysian financier Jho Low recruited Michel to funnel money into Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign and hide the source of the funds.
During the trial, DiCaprio claimed that Low revealed his plans to donate up to $30 million to the Democratic Party to support Obama’s campaign.
DiCaprio’s testimony is part of a wider investigation into Low, who is facing separate federal criminal charges for embezzling $4.5 billion from Malaysia’s 1MDB sovereign wealth fund.
Jho Low plays part in foreign influence campaign
The trial of Michel has brought to light a widespread illegal foreign influence campaign.
Federal election law prohibits foreigners from donating to U.S. campaigns. Prosecutors say he later worked behind the scenes with others who tried unsuccessfully to persuade the Trump administration to stop investigating Low.
