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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.

CCP linked Malaysian financier Jho Low has been at the center of the investigation.  And he also faces separate federal criminal charges for allegedly embezzling $4.5 billion from Malaysia's 1MDB sovereign wealth fund.

Michel was reportedly paid $70 million for assisting Low. As a result, the Fugees artist faces 11 criminal counts of attempting to influence the Obama administration. Prosecutors also note the artist is accused of unsuccessfully attempting to interfere with Trump’s investigation into Low.

Low, known for his lavish parties and celebrity connections, supported DiCaprio's charitable foundation. And financed the 2013 movie "The Wolf of Wall Street." DiCaprio starred in the film. And was nominated for an Oscar.

The Justice Department reached a civil settlement with the film's production company in 2018. And $60 million of "The Wolf of Wall Street" profits were forfeited since it is believed they were stolen from 1MDB.

DiCaprio has since been fully cooperating with the U.S. government.

The Foreign Donations Scandal

Foreign donations to U.S. political campaigns are illegal under federal law. This trial is one of many examples of foreign entities attempting to influence American politics through any means. 

On behalf of the Chinese, Michel and Low were able to infiltrate Hollywood and pay celebrities to party with them. And they then flooded the Obama campaign with foreign money to gain influence in DC.

For perspective the Russians attempted to influence the 2016 presidential campaign with the purchase of less than $200,000 in Facebook ads which were 75% for Trump.

DiCaprio’s testimony highlights the importance of enforcing campaign finance laws to ensure the integrity of U.S. elections. The case is a reminder that foreign entities cannot donate to U.S. political campaigns and that those who attempt to do so should be held accountable.