US NavyCorruption scandal: Malaysian businessman 'Fat Leonard' sentenced to 15 years in prison in the US
06/11/2024
Malaysian defense contractor Leonard Francis, better known as "Fat Leonard," one of the main defendants in the worst corruption scandal in US Navy history was sentenced to 15 years in prison, according to the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of California on Wednesday.
Leonard Glenn Francis, the mastermind behind a bribery and fraud scheme targeting the US Navy, was sentenced in federal court today to 180 months in prison and ordered to pay US$20 million in restitution to the Navy and US$150,000 in fines.
Francis was also ordered to hand over illegal proceeds amounting to US$35 million as a result of the crimes he committed," according to the statement.
In December 2023, the US signed an agreement with Venezuela to release six US citizens arrested in the Latin American country and extradite Francis who fled to Venezuela in September 2022 while under house arrest.
The 60-year-old was originally arrested in the US in 2013 on corruption charges.
His company, Glenn Defense Marine Asia, gave millions of dollars in valuables and cash to US Navy personnel and command staff for supporting him during the acquisition process and providing classified information.
Francis pleaded guilty to all charges, including attempted escape.
-- BERNAMA
