Justice Department indictment highlights tiniest sliver of money from secret and foreign sources that is influencing our elections.

On Friday, the Justice Department indicted Prakazrel “Pras” Michel and Low Taek Jho for conspiring to make and conceal foreign and conduit campaign contributions during the 2012 presidential election. 

Issue One Executive Director Meredith McGehee issued the following statement: 

“This indictment highlights the tiniest sliver of money coming from secret and foreign sources that is influencing our elections. Our broken political system allows donors to hide their identities through LLCs and other political vehicles which they use to curry favor and buy access with politicians.” 

In 2015, Issue One’s Michael Beckel originally reported on Pras’ ties to “SPM Holdings LLC” and the LLC’s contributions of more than $800,000 to the super PAC Black Men Vote. It was one of the largest donations to a super PAC ever by a limited liability company.

“Unfortunately, it took three years for the original story to come to light – long after the 2012 election – and another four years for the Justice Department to act. It is time for Congress and the Federal Election Commission to prevent anonymous and foreign sources from influencing our elections.”