'Fat Leonard' mastermind behind largest corruption scandal in US military history sentenced to 15 years

After 11 years pursuing his archetypal arrest, Leonard Glenn Francis, aka "Fat Leonard," was sentenced for masterminding 1 of the biggest bribery and corruption scandals successful U.S. subject history.

The erstwhile subject defence contractor was sentenced to 15 years successful situation for the decade-long strategy involving dozens of U.S. Navy officials. He was besides ordered to wage $20 cardinal successful restitution to the Navy and a $150,000 fine, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office.   

Francis was scheduled to beryllium sentenced erstwhile earlier successful September 2022 but chopped disconnected his GPS show and fled the country. He was aboriginal arrested successful 2023 aft being recovered successful Venezuela and brought backmost to the U.S.

'FAT LEONARD' FACES SENTENCING IN NAVY BRIBERY SCANDAL

Leonard Glenn Francis, aka "Fat Leonard," pleaded blameworthy to bribery and fraud charges successful 1 of the largest corruption scandals successful U.S. subject history.   ((U.S. Marshal Service))

His sentencing covers some his relation successful the bribery and besides his flight from the country. He volition get recognition for his clip spent successful custody some successful the U.S. and successful Venezuela, totaling much than 6 years.

Frances admitted to authorities that helium gave escaped meals, prostitutes and different items to Naval unit successful bid for their assistance successful obtaining larboard visits by Naval vessels to places helium controlled. He would past overcharge the Navy by much than $35 cardinal dollars for his services, according to prosecutors.

Undated photograph of Leonard Glenn Francis, proprietor of the Singapore-based maritime services steadfast Glenn Defense Marine Asia.  ((Credit: NCIS-DCIS lawsuit files))

"Leonard Francis lined his pockets with payer dollars portion undermining the integrity of U.S. Naval forces," U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath said successful Tuesday’s statement. "The interaction of his deceit and manipulation volition beryllium agelong felt, but justness has been served today."

Prosecutors said his actions were "aggravated and egregious" but did hold helium should beryllium credited for providing "detailed accusation connected hundreds of individuals, from petty officers to admirals, including captains, commanders, Vice Admirals, and Rear Admirals," according to prosecutors.

‘FAT LEONARD’ CUTS ANKLE MONITOR WEEKS BEFORE SENTENCING IN $35 MILLION US NAVY CORRUPTION SCANDAL

Another undated photograph of Leonard Glenn Francis.  ((Credit: courtesy Glenn Defense Marine Asia))

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Following his arrest, astir 1,000 Navy officers came nether scrutiny, including 91 admirals.

Federal prosecutors brought criminal charges against 34 defendants, 33 of whom were convicted aft Francis provided accusation to authorities portion successful U.S. custody.

Fox News Digital's Chris Pandolfo and the Associated Press contributed to this report.