Fat Leonard Sentenced to 15 Years for Bribery

Leonard Glenn Francis, known as 'Fat Leonard,' has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for orchestrating a decade-long bribery scheme that involved numerous U.S. Navy officials. He was found guilty of providing cash and luxury gifts in exchange for military contracts totaling over $30 million through his company, Glenn Defence Marine Asia. Francis was ordered to pay $20 million in restitution, a $150,000 fine, and forfeit $35 million in illicit gains. His criminal activities led to the largest bribery investigation in U.S. military history, resulting in the conviction of nearly two dozen Navy officers. After fleeing the U.S. while under house arrest in 2022, he was apprehended in Venezuela and extradited back to the U.S. in December 2023. U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath emphasized that Francis' actions severely undermined the integrity of the Navy and highlighted the long-lasting impact of his deceit.