{"id":2132584,"date":"2023-12-23T18:32:02","date_gmt":"2023-12-23T23:32:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/venezuela-cons-u-s-fugitive-returns-him-to-u-s-in-prisoner-swap-report\/"},"modified":"2023-12-23T18:37:06","modified_gmt":"2023-12-23T23:37:06","slug":"venezuela-cons-u-s-fugitive-returns-him-to-u-s-in-prisoner-swap-report","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/venezuela-cons-u-s-fugitive-returns-him-to-u-s-in-prisoner-swap-report\/","title":{"rendered":"Venezuela hands over U.S. fugitive in prisoner exchange"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">16<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fvenezuela-cons-u-s-fugitive-returns-him-to-u-s-in-prisoner-swap-report%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2132584&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><h2>Flamboyant Defense Contractor &#8220;Fat Leonard&#8221; Extradited to the \u200bU.S. in Prisoner Swap<\/h2>\n<p>In a\u200d dramatic turn\u200d of events,\u200d the notorious defense contractor known as &#8220;Fat Leonard&#8221; has been handed over to U.S. officials by\u2063 Venezuelan authorities. Leonard\u200c Glenn Francis,\u2062 also known as Fat Leonard, was involved in a $35 million \u200bbribery scheme, where \u2063he bribed top Navy officials with extravagant gifts\u2064 and services. This week, \u2062he was extradited along with 10 Americans who were held captive in Venezuela, as part of a\u2063 prisoner exchange.<\/p>\n<p>Leonard, \u200ba Malaysian \u200bnational, was captured in \u2062Venezuela in September\u200d 2022 as he attempted to flee to Russia. He had \u2062been in U.S. custody but\u200b managed to escape\u2063 while under \u200chouse arrest in San Diego, triggering an international manhunt. However, Venezuela\u2062 deceived him and his\u200b lawyer by \u2062falsely claiming that \u200dhe would be released for medical treatment. In reality, \u2063the two countries had secretly negotiated his transfer back to the U.S.<\/p>\n<p>On Wednesday, Leonard was forcefully transported to the Caribbean\u2063 island\u200c of\u200c Canouan and handed over to U.S. officials. He\u200b was\u200b then taken to Miami and placed in federal prison. It is expected that he\u200c will be flown \u200dback to San Diego soon to face\u200d sentencing in his\u2063 criminal\u2062 case.<\/p>\n<h3>A Lavish Scheme\u200b Unveiled<\/h3>\n<p>Leonard\u200d pleaded guilty in 2015 to\u200d bribing Navy officials with cash, prostitutes, and extravagant dinners to secure contracts for his \u2063ship servicing \u200bcompany, Glenn Defense Marine\u200d Asia. Prosecutors allege that his company\u200b defrauded the Navy of $35\u2063 million. As part of his plea deal, \u2062Leonard\u2062 was supposed\u2064 to repay the government the full \u2064amount, but he has only repaid $5\u2064 million so far.<\/p>\n<p>In a\u2062 shocking revelation, Leonard boasted about his illicit activities in a\u200d podcast series, where \u200che claimed to have complete control over Navy \u200bofficials.\u2062 He\u2062 described how he targeted Navy\u2063 Commander Michael Misiewicz by providing him with prostitutes and infiltrating his inner circle.\u200c However, this\u2064 operation ultimately led to Leonard&#8217;s downfall when Misiewicz&#8217;s wife reported him to Navy officials, triggering \u2062an investigation that exposed incriminating emails.<\/p>\n<p>Leonard has also <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/exclusive-house-republicans-file-ethics-complaint-against-democrats-who-made-unsubstantiated-claims-that-gop-led-reconnaissance-tours-before-capitol-riot\/\" title=\"EXCLUSIVE: House Republicans File Ethics Complaint Against Democrats Who Made Unsubstantiated Claims That GOP Led \u2018Reconnaissance\u2019 Tours Before Capitol Riot\">made unsubstantiated claims<\/a> that senior admirals were protected by the Pentagon, suggesting a cover-up within the Navy. Despite his attempts to evade justice, Leonard&#8217;s extradition marks a significant step towards holding him accountable for his crimes.<\/p>\n<p><b><a href=\"https:\/\/onelink.to\/dwapp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-describedby=\"sk-tooltip-9096\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/onelink.to\/dwapp&#038;source=gmail&#038;ust=1700760801843000&#038;usg=AOvVaw2PQrVSrJfhxNb4LcARqniG\">CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n<p><em>Greg Wilson contributed to this report.<\/em><\/p>\n<p> <\/p>\n<h2> How did Fat Leonard exploit his relationships with high-ranking Navy officers to gain lucrative contracts for his company?<\/h2>\n<p><span>  He would\u2064 be granted asylum and instead\u200d handed him over \u2063to U.S. officials.<\/p>\n<p>The extradition of Fat Leonard marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice in one of\u2062 the biggest corruption scandals in the history of the U.S. Navy. Leonard,\u2063 who operated under his company Glenn Defense Marine Asia (GDMA),\u200c exploited his\u200d close relationships with high-ranking\u2064 Navy officers and \u200bused \u2063them to gain \u200blucrative contracts for his company. \u200bIn return, he showered these officials with lavish gifts, including vacations, luxury hotel stays,\u200c and even the services\u2062 of prostitutes.<\/p>\n<p>The scheme orchestrated by Leonard lasted\u200c for over a decade, from 2005 \u200bto 2013. It involved \u200dmultiple instances of fraudulent billing \u2062and overcharging the Navy for services rendered. As a result, the U.S. government paid inflated prices for essential \u2063supplies and services, leading to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/like-a-nascar-pit-crew-authorities-bust-car-theft-ring-that-stole-catalytic-converters-in-less-than-a-minute\/\" title=\"\u2018Like A NASCAR Pit Crew\u2019: Authorities Bust Car Theft Ring That Stole Catalytic Converters In Less Than A Minute\">significant financial losses<\/a> for the Navy.<\/p>\n<p>The exposure of this corrupt network came to\u2064 light in 2013, when Leonard was arrested in a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/investigators-say-some-illegal-fireworks-smuggled-into-california-are-linked-to-organized-crime\/\" title=\"Investigators Say Some Illegal Fireworks Smuggled Into California Are Linked To Organized Crime\">sting operation conducted<\/a> by the \u2064U.S. Department of Justice and \u2063the Naval Criminal \u2062Investigative Service. This\u2064 led to \u2063the\u200b arrest and conviction of several Navy officers, including high-ranking officials such as Rear Admiral Robert Gilbeau and \u2062Vice\u200b Admiral Ted Branch.<\/p>\n<p>Fat Leonard&#8217;s extradition raises \u2064hope\u2062 for the full unraveling of this\u200c wide-reaching scandal.\u2063 With his return \u200dto \u200cU.S. soil, prosecutors can now work towards building a robust case against him and his co-conspirators, potentially resulting in further indictments and convictions.\u200b The information Leonard possesses can shed light on the extent of the\u200d corruption and aid in \u200bholding all responsible parties accountable.<\/p>\n<p>However,\u2062 it is important to note that the prisoner \u200dswap that facilitated Leonard&#8217;s extradition \u2062also raised eyebrows and drew criticism \u2063from some quarters. Critics argue \u200bthat exchanging \u200bprisoners with Venezuela, a country plagued by its own corruption and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/saudi-court-jails-womens-rights-activist-posing-challenge-for-biden\/\" title=\"Saudi court jails women\u2019s rights activist, posing challenge for Biden\">human rights issues<\/a>, sends a problematic message and undermines the fight against global corruption.<\/p>\n<p>Nevertheless, the extradition of Fat Leonard should be seen as a significant step towards justice and the restoration of trust within the U.S. Navy. It \u200dserves as a reminder that no one is above the law, regardless of their power or connections. The exposure and punishment \u2064of corruption within\u200c the defense industry are essential to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of the \u2063U.S. \u2064military.<\/p>\n<p>As the legal proceedings against Leonard progress, it is crucial that the judicial system remains diligent in uncovering the truth and prosecuting all parties involved. The international scope of this scandal necessitates \u2064cooperation with other countries \u200cand \u200ca commitment to integrity and transparency.<\/p>\n<p>The case of Fat Leonard serves as a sobering reminder of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/cbs-smears-ron-desantis-while-pete-buttigieg-gets-the-obama-treatment-from-ap\/\" title=\"CBS Smears Ron DeSantis While Pete Buttigieg Gets the Obama Treatment from AP\">potential dangers posed<\/a> by individuals who exploit their positions of power for personal gain. It highlights the importance of robust oversight and accountability mechanisms \u200cto safeguard against \u2062corruption\u2064 within defense contracting.<\/p>\n<p>Ultimately, \u200dthe extradition of Fat Leonard signifies\u2062 a victory against\u200d corruption and a vow to protect the integrity of the U.S.\u2064 military. It sends a strong signal that no one is beyond the reach of the law, no matter how \u200bflamboyant or well-connected they may be. By bringing justice to those involved in this scandal, the U.S. can restore faith and \u200dconfidence in its defense procurement processes, ensuring the highest standards of integrity and efficiency in the future.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Is Leonard Glenn Francis, and five other prisoners. Francis is now back in the U.S. to face justice for his crimes, which involved defrauding the Navy for years. The prisoner exchange marks a significant step towards holding those involved accountable and upholding the integrity of the military justice system<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":102,"featured_media":2132585,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/cndimages.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_2758-scaled-1.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[541],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2132584","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-daily-wire"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/cndimages.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_2758-scaled-1.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2132584","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/102"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2132584"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2132584\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2132585"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2132584"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2132584"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2132584"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}