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Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera
World

Malaysian defence contractor ‘Fat Leonard’ seeks Venezuela asylum

Fat Leonard Leonard Glenn Francis Venezuela Nicolas Maduro Interpol United States US Navy
Image on the Instagram account of Interpol Venezuela shows Malaysian fugitive Leonard Glenn Francis, known as "Fat Leonard", after his capture in Venezuela on September 21, 2022 [File: Interpol Venezuela Instagram account/AFP]

A fugitive Malaysian defence contractor nicknamed “Fat Leonard” who orchestrated a huge bribery scheme involving dozens of United States Navy officials, has requested asylum in Venezuela almost a week after he was arrested in the South American country.

Leonard Glenn Francis — arrested on September 21 at Caracas international airport as he prepared to depart for Russia — appeared in court the day after his arrest and announced that he wished to remain in Venezuela on medical and political grounds, local media reported on Monday.

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