The Latest Breaking News from Venezuela

Fugitive businessman 'Fat Leonard' to seek asylum in Venezuela -reports

CARACAS - A fugitive Malaysian businessman nicknamed 'Fat Leonard' who is at the center of a major U.S. Navy bribery scandal wants to seek political asylum in Venezuela after being detained in the country last week, local media said Monday.

Reuters · Sep 26, 2022

Colombia, Venezuela reopen cargo trade as relations thaw

Colombia and Venezuela reopened cargo transport at a major border crossing on Monday, potentially enabling billions of dollars in trade after years of icy bilateral relations and heavily-restricted economic ties.

Reuters · Sep 26, 2022

Experts: 'Fat Leonard' may be Venezuela's bargaining chip

A fugitive defense contractor nicknamed “Fat Leonard” who claims to have incriminating sex photos of top U.S. Navy brass could become the latest bargaining chip in Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s efforts to win official recognition from the Biden administration

The Independent UK · Sep 23, 2022

Venezuela requests warrants for 23 former petrochemical executives -minister

Venezuela has requested international warrants for the arrest of 23 former executives of a petrochemical company in Colombia, Venezuelan Oil Minister Tareck El Aissami said on Thursday.

Reuters · Sep 22, 2022

'Fat Leonard,' a fugitive in a massive Navy bribery case, has been caught in Venezuela

Leonard Francis, a Malaysian defense contractor nicknamed "Fat Leonard" who orchestrated one of the largest bribery scandals in U.S. military history, had fled house arrest prior to his sentencing.

WEKU · Sep 22, 2022

‘Fat Leonard’ arrested in Venezuela, ending 16 days on the run

Leonard Glenn Francis, the Malaysian defense contractor known as “Fat Leonard” who fled home arrest in San Diego earlier this month, was arrested Tuesday morning in Venezuela as he attempted to board an airplane at the Caracas international airport, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.

Tribune News Service · Sep 22, 2022

Fugitive fraudster Fat Leonard finally captured fleeing Venezuela airport

‘Fat Leonard’ Francis bilked the navy out of at least $35m in his extensive bribery scheme

The Independent UK · Sep 22, 2022

Venezuela arrests 'Fat Leonard' contractor in U.S. Navy bribery case

Venezuelan police have arrested a fugitive Malaysian businessman nicknamed 'Fat Leonard' who is at the centre of a major U.S. Navy bribery scandal, as he prepared to leave the country for Russia, Venezuelan Interpol said.

Reuters · Sep 22, 2022

Kingpin of US Navy scam in Asia caught

A military contractor at the centre of a major US Navy corruption scandal in Thailand and elsewhere in Asia has been arrested in Venezuela, where he had fled after escaping house arrest in California.

Bangkok Post · Sep 22, 2022

Editorial: Texas sheriff’s probe of DeSantis’ heartless Vineyard stunt a long shot, but could unearth answers

The legality of what occurred last week, when a group of 48 Venezuelans were flown from Texas and dumped on swanky Martha’s Vineyard — a heartless relocation effort financed by the state of Florida and crowed about by Gov. Ron DeSantis — is being investigated. Good, we need more answers,…

Tribune News Service · Sep 22, 2022