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Malaysian fugitive Leonard Glenn Francis, known as Fat Leonard, is seen after his capture in Maiquetia, Venezuela. Photo: Interpol Venezuela via Instagram/AFP
AsiaSoutheast Asia

Malaysian fugitive ‘Fat Leonard’ seeks asylum in Venezuela

  • Leonard Glenn Francis orchestrated a huge bribery scheme involving US Navy officials and was captured in South America after fleeing house arrest
  • He’s admitted plying officers with prostitutes, Kobe beef and other bribes so they would direct their ships to ports he controlled in Southeast Asia
Malaysia
Associated Press
Associated Press
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Malaysian fugitive defence contractor “Fat Leonard”, who orchestrated a huge bribery scheme involving dozens of US Navy officials, has requested asylum in Venezuela, nearly a week after he was captured in the South American country.
Leonard Glenn Francis slipped away from house arrest in San Diego on September 4, only weeks before he was to be sentenced.

A law enforcement official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not permitted to speak to the press about the closed proceedings, confirmed on Monday that Francis had requested asylum but did not provide any additional details about his moves. By law the Venezuelan government must consider the asylum request.

Who is Malaysia’s ‘Fat Leonard’ and how did he flee house arrest in US?

Francis owned Singapore-based Glenn Defence Marine Asia Ltd. or GDMA, that supplied food, water and fuel to vessels for decades.

He has acknowledged overbilling the US Navy by US$35 million with the help of dozens of US naval officers whom he plied with prostitutes, Kobe beef, cigars and other bribes so they would direct their ships to ports Francis controlled in the Pacific in Southeast Asia.

Francis, known for his wide girth and big personality, pleaded guilty in 2015 and faced up to 25 years in prison. While awaiting sentencing, he was given home confinement in San Diego to receive medical care as he cooperated with the prosecution, which led to the convictions of 33 of 34 defendants.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is seen before a meeting at the presidential palace in Caracas in July. The fugitive nicknamed “Fat Leonard” could become a bargaining chip in the leader’s efforts to win official recognition from the Biden administration, some experts say. Photo: AP
US and Venezuelan officials said that Francis cut off his ankle monitor, fled to Mexico and then made his way to Cuba before turning up in Venezuela.

He was arrested there on September 20 before he boarded a flight at the Simon Bolivar International Airport outside Caracas. Venezuelan officials have said he intended to reach Russia.

Venezuela and the United States have an extradition agreement, though the Biden administration does not officially recognise President Nicolas Maduro’s socialist government, has no embassy in Venezuela and has imposed crushing sanctions on the country that have further embittered relations.

US authorities have 30 days to formally request his extradition. In an emailed statement, the Department of Justice said that the agency does not comment on extradition-related matters.

The US attorney’s office did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment about Francis’ request for asylum in Venezuela.

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