‘Fat Leonard’, the Malaysian businessman behind US Navy’s worst corruption scandal, lives above doctor’s garage as he seeks cancer treatment
Leonard Glenn Francis, who plied officers with cash, liquor and prostitutes and other perks to ensure that US Navy ships stopped at ports where his firm operated, lives in a small flat above a garage at the home of one of his doctors
Five years ago, investigators with the US Navy knocked on the door of a San Diego hotel suite, waiting for the Malaysian businessman inside to answer – and in the process launch what has become the worst corruption scandal for the navy in decades.
Since the arrest of businessman Leonard Glenn “Fat Leonard” Francis that day, US federal prosecutors in San Diego have methodically filed charges or secured indictments against 32 defendants, including 27 US Navy officials, for their roles accepting bribes from Francis, owner of the ship servicing firm Glenn Defence Marine Asia.
Hundreds more US Navy personnel who had interactions with Francis or his company have had their cases reviewed internally, with several facing court martial.
And while the tally of the accused has continued to rise, nothing has been heard from Francis – until July, when he answered questions behind closed doors.
Francis, who pleaded guilty in January 2015 and agreed to cooperate with investigators, testified for the first time – in a deposition taken for a court martial case for Commander David Morales, a fighter pilot charged with conspiracy and bribery.