Overview
- U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly imposed a 14-year prison term in Washington, D.C., followed by three years of supervised release.
- Michel was ordered last month to forfeit more than $64 million tied to schemes connected to fugitive financier Jho Low and the 1MDB scandal.
- A federal jury in April 2023 convicted him on 10 counts, including conspiracy and acting as an unregistered foreign agent, after testimony that included Leonardo DiCaprio and former Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
- Prosecutors argued the guidelines supported a life sentence and said he “betrayed his country for money,” while the defense called the punishment disproportionate and confirmed plans to appeal.
- He is expected to surrender to authorities on January 27, 2026.