A U.S. rapper was sentenced to 14 years in prison for orchestrating an unregistered back-channel lobbying campaign to influence U.S. officials and the Department of Justice, according to court documents. Prakazrel “Pras” Michel, 52, was convicted by a federal jury of conspiracy and acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government, with prosecutors alleging he funneled millions in foreign funds into former President Barack Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign.

Michel faced charges for his role in efforts to drop the investigation of Jho Low, a Malaysian national linked to the 1MDB scandal, and to send a Chinese national back to China. The trial included testimony from actor Leonardo DiCaprio and former Attorney General Jeff Sessions, with prosecutors stating he “betrayed his country for money.”

The Justice Department’s Criminal Division emphasized that today’s verdict demonstrates accountability for anyone who engages in unlawful foreign-sponsored efforts to influence American officials, elections, or the criminal justice system. Michel did not address the court before being sentenced by U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly.

The case highlights the legal risks of foreign money involvement in U.S. political campaigns, with prosecutors urging a severe sentence for his actions.