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Associated Press

A former executive for a Singapore-based defence contractor linked to a sweeping corruption scandal that cost the US Navy some US $35 million appeared this week in a California courtroom to face federal charges.
Pornpun “Yin” Settaphakorn appeared before a judge in San Diego and was ordered detained pending another hearing next month.
Settephakorn, of Thailand, was extradited from that country last week, according to a statement from the US attorney’s office.
Last Friday, she pleaded not guilty to conspiracy and making false claims.
‘Fat Leonard’s’ strange tale of smuggling, Ghurkas and sex parties
Settphakorn oversaw the Thailand office of Glenn Defence Marine Asia, which provided fuel, food and other services to Navy ships in Pacific ports.
Prosecutors said the firm and its owner, known by his nickname of “Fat Leonard” Francis, bribed Navy officers with fancy gifts, trips and prostitutes to provide classified information in order to beat competitors and overcharge for services. The scheme cost the Navy some US$35 million.
Settaphakorn was charged in 2014 with involvement in a conspiracy to submit fraudulent price quotes, claims and invoices for about US$5 million to the Navy.
More than a dozen Navy and company officials, including Leonard and an admiral, have pleaded guilty in the case.


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Corruption in Asia

Singapore-based defence contractor faces California court over ‘Fat Leonard’ scandal that cost US Navy millions

The alleged corruption cost the US Navy some US$35 million. Photo: Shutterstock

How ‘Fat Leonard’ infiltrated the US Navy’s floating headquarters in Asia

Leonard Glenn Francis, aka Fat Leonard, with US Navy Admiral Robert Willard. Picture: The Washington Post

The USS Blue Ridge, in Hong Kong, in 2006. Picture: SCMP

The USS Blue Ridge, flagship of the 7th Fleet, is pictured during a port visit in Jakarta, Indonesia, in April 2010. MUST CREDIT: U.S. Navy

Commander, U.S. 7th, Vice Adm. John Bird, second from right, and Rear Adm. Richard Wren, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Japan, left, are greeted by Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Fleet Commander, Vice Chief Adm. Masahiko Sugimoto, right, and Maritime Self-Defense Force Yokosuka District Vice Adm. Sadayoshi Matsuoka during a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the signing of the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force base in Yokosuka, west of Tokyo , Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010.(AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)

Undated photo of Leonard Glenn Francis, also known as 'Fat Leonard'.

An undated photograph shows Vice Adm. Scott Buskirk with Leonard Glenn Francis.MUST CREDIT: Photo obtained by The Washington Post.

This handout image shows a federal complaint filed in U.S. District Court accuses Leonard Glenn Francis and Jose Luis Sanchez, a former Yokosuka commander, of conspiracy to commit bribery. U.S. DISTRICT COURT [12JUNE2016 FEATURE POST MAGAZINE]

U.S. Navy Capt. Daniel Dusek, center, walks through chief sideboys during a chief petty officer pinning ceremony aboard amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard in 2012. Dusek handed over classified ship schedules and steered aircraft carriers to "fat revenue ports" controlled by Glenn Defense in return for prostitutes, alcohol and stays at luxury hotels. MUST CREDIT: U.S. Navy handout photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Adam M. Bennett.

(101002) -- CHONBURI, Oct. 2, 2010 (Xinhua) -- Captain David A. Lausman, commanding officer of USS George Washington, gives a press briefing on USS George Washington at the port of Laem Chabang in Chonburi province of Thiland, Oct. 2, 2010. USS George Washington (GW), the U.S. Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, arrived in eastern Thailand on Saturday for a five-day visit following it's exercise in west Pacific Ocean. This is the fourth port call for the carrier during its summer patrol and the first visit to Thailand since its arrival to the Seventh Fleet in 2008. (Xinhua/Shi Xianzhen)(djj)

BMJB7P Passengers of a FERRY and the MANILA HOTEL - MANILA, PHILIPPINES

*** ONE TIME USE ONLY *** A 2006 laudatory ''Bravo Zulu'' note from then-Vice Adm. Jonathan Greenert to Leonard "Fat Leonard" Glenn Francis. MUST CREDIT: Obtained by The Washington Post

C5PR86 high rise buildings rise above Raffles City in Singapore. Image shot 2005. Exact date unknown.

Philippines’ corruption rating under Duterte holds at same level: bad

President Rodrigo Duterte once vowed to end corruption in the Philippines. Last year, he offered to resign because he said it was impossible to stop. EPA-EFE

Gemma Roxas, 57, wearing a protective mask for protection against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), queues for a general check-up at a local health center in Manila, Philippines January 26, 2021. Picture taken January 26, 2021. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez

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Pornpun ‘Yin’ Settaphakorn oversaw the Thailand office of Glenn Defence Marine Asia, which provided fuel, food and other services to Navy ships in Pacific ports
Prosecutors said the firm and its owner bribed Navy officers with fancy gifts, trips and prostitutes to provide classified information in order to beat competitors



Pornpun ‘Yin’ Settaphakorn oversaw the Thailand office of Glenn Defence Marine Asia, which provided fuel, food and other services to Navy ships in Pacific ports.


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Defence