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Pras Michel Surrenders, Starts 14-Year Sentence for Spy Conspiracy

5/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Pras Michel turned himself in on April 30, 2026 to begin a 14-year sentence at correctional institution in Safford, Arizona.
A 2023 jury convicted him on ten counts, including conspiracy and foreign-agent activity, resulting in a 2025 sentence and a $64 million forfeiture order.
The DOJ says Michel used part of a $5 billion state fund to lobby U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration to halt an investigation, with his lawyers appealing foreign-agent charges.

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Story summary

Pras Michel turned himself in on April 30, 2026 to begin a 14-year sentence at correctional institution in Safford, Arizona.
A 2023 jury convicted him on ten counts, including conspiracy and foreign-agent activity, resulting in a 2025 sentence and a $64 million forfeiture order.
The DOJ says Michel used part of a $5 billion state fund to lobby U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration to halt an investigation, with his lawyers appealing foreign-agent charges.