6-11-2024 (SAN DIEGO) Leonard Francis, the Malaysian defence contractor known as “Fat Leonard” who orchestrated one of the US military’s most extensive corruption scandals, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role in a decade-long bribery scheme that compromised dozens of naval officers.
In a ruling handed down Tuesday, US District Judge Janis L Sammartino ordered Francis to pay $20 million in restitution to the US Navy, alongside a $150,000 fine and the forfeiture of $35 million in illegally obtained proceeds.
The sentencing follows Francis’s initial guilty plea in 2015 and addresses his dramatic escape attempt in 2022, when he removed his GPS monitoring device while under house arrest and fled to Venezuela. He was subsequently apprehended in Caracas and extradited to the United States in December 2023.
Francis, who once weighed 350 pounds and stood 6ft 3in tall, ran Singapore-based Glenn Defense Marine Asia Ltd, which provided victuals and services to US Navy vessels in Asian ports. His elaborate scheme involved lavishing naval officers with extravagant gifts, including luxury hotel stays, gourmet meals, and explicit entertainment, in exchange for classified information and preferential treatment for his company.
US Attorney Tara McGrath emphasised the gravity of Francis’s actions, stating: “His deceit and manipulation have inflicted lasting damage on naval integrity, but today’s sentence ensures accountability.”
The investigation led to the conviction of nearly two dozen navy officials and contractors, including the first active-duty admiral ever convicted of federal crimes. However, the prosecution has faced scrutiny, with four naval officers’ felony convictions being vacated following misconduct allegations.
Francis’s sentence comprises approximately 13.5 years for the primary corruption charges, with an additional 16 months for his escape attempt. Despite facing up to 25 years, his extensive cooperation with authorities following his initial plea contributed to a reduced sentence.
