Leonardo DiCaprio is a name synonymous with superstardom. The ‘Titanic‘ actor has starred in several critically and commercially successful films over the past few decades. With his films grossing more than $7.2 billion globally, DiCaprio is one of the world’s highest-paid actors.
Recently, the 48-year-old Oscar winner is in the news for a legal issue. He appeared in court to testify in a money laundering case involving rapper Prakazrel ‘Pras‘ Michel. DiCaprio’s name has been associated with a fugitive also. Let us take a closer look at this entire legal ordeal that involves DiCaprio.
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Leonardo DiCaprio Testifies In Cash Laundering Case
On Monday, Leonardo DiCaprio testified in a federal court during the trial involving money laundering and bribery. According to The Hollywood Reporter, rapper Prakazrel ‘Pras‘ Michel is accused of sending money to Barack Obama’s reelection campaign in 2012.
The money was funneled via a Malaysian fugitive named Jho Low whose real name is Low Taek Jho. Low was one of the top financiers of the 2013 film ‘The Wolf of Wall Street.‘
Michel became a partner and enabler in Low’s wealth as well as his attempts to influence the American government. Low sent over $21.6 million via foreign entities to Michel’s different accounts.
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DiCaprio Was Questioned For His Association With Jho Low
In court, the ‘Inception‘ actor testified that he met Low in 2010 at a party in Las Vegas. “I understood him to be a huge businessman with many different connections in Abu Dhabi and Malaysia,” he said.
He also admitted that he has known Michel since the 1990s after meeting backstage post a Fugees concert. DiCaprio said he was very careful before starting a business relationship with Low. “I was given the green light by my team as well as my studio,” he said. “He was a legitimate business person wanting to invest in the movie.”
Low is accused of running a money laundering scheme called 1MDB through which he allegedly stole millions from Malaysia’s investment fund. While he is on the run, Low has maintained his innocence.
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