Elliott Broidy, a prominent Republican fundraiser and one-time client of Michael Cohen, has been charged with improperly trying to influence the Trump administration on behalf of a foreign interest.
Broidy was accused of lobbying on behalf of Malaysian businessman named Jho Low, who federal prosecutors in Brooklyn have accused of orchestrating a multibillion dollar embezzlement scheme against a Malaysian government investment fund.
According to the charging document, Broidy conspired with a Hawaiian businesswoman and Michel Pras, a founding member of the Fugees, to take millions of dollars in exchange for asking the Justice Department to drop the charges against Low.
MORE: FBI says it foiled plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer"Broidy agreed to lobby the administration and DOJ for a favorable result for [Low] while concealing the fact that he was working on [Low's] behalf," the charging document said.
The effort was unsuccessful, but prosecutors explained the alleged lengths to which Broidy went.
He allegedly contacted a "high ranking official on the National Security Council" to try and arrange a golf outing between the Malaysian prime minister and President Donald Trump. Court records quoted Broidy's text message: "Checking again on date for golf for Malaysian Prime Minister with POTUS. Can you text me today? Thank you."
Prosecutors also said Broidy tried to persuade then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions to drop the federal investigation into Low.
Broidy was charged with violating prohibitions on acting as an agent of a foreign principal. Prosecutors used a charging instrument that suggests Broody will plead guilty.
A spokesman for Broidy declined to comment on the criminal charge.