The fugitive behind the US navy bribery scandal - nicknamed"Fat Leonard" - has requested asylum in Venezuela following his arrest, a law enforcement official has revealed.in San Diego on 4 September.
He was allowed to remain under house arrest while he cooperated with authorities, leading prosecutors to convictions of 33 out of 34 defendants and over two dozen Navy officials. The Malaysian defence contractor was facing 25 years in prison in a sentencing set for 22 September, but cut off his GPS anklet and left his California home.Venezuelan authorities arrested Francis at Caracas airport before he could board his flight to Russia, amid a global manhunt with a $40,000 reward for his arrest, officials said.
Now"Fat Leonard" is requesting asylum in the Spanish-speaking country - a request the Venezuelan government have to consider by law.