The U.S. has reached an agreement with Venezuela to exchange a close ally of Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro for 10 American prisoners detained in the country.
A senior Biden administration official confirmed the exchange, which involves the release of six Americans considered wrongfully detained in Venezuela, as well as four others, including Malaysian businessman Leonard Francis, known as “Fat Leonard.” Francis was involved in one of the largest corruption scandals in U.S. Navy history, Fox News Digital reports.
The official stated that Leonard Francis, also known as “Fat Leonard,” would be extradited from Venezuela and soon on his way back to a federal detention facility.
10 Americans and a fugitive known as “Fat Leonard,” who was wanted by U.S. authorities, have been released from Venezuelan custody in exchange for the U.S. release of a close ally of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. pic.twitter.com/boiddBER6c
— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) December 21, 2023
The exchange is part of a broader deal that includes the release of nearly two dozen Venezuelan political prisoners.
Leonard’s release is of particular interest, as the former military contractor is known for organizing lewd sexual events involving US Navy admirals.
It’s one of the US’s worst ever national security breaches. For years, Leonard arranged prostitutes for some of the Navy’s top admirals. In return, he bilked the Navy of millions by overcharging for fuel, food and security. He lived in this $40 million house in Singapore! pic.twitter.com/D7yWZlYXhx
— Tom Wright (@TomWrightAsia) December 20, 2023
Leonard was arrested in 2013 due to the role of a brave Navy wife. He pleaded guilty but then got pissed as he saw top admirals let off the hook. We smuggled him a microphone in 2021 and he agreed to tell all in our “Fat Leonard” podcast. Listen here: https://t.co/afmC4d34HO
— Tom Wright (@TomWrightAsia) December 20, 2023
President Biden expressed gratitude that the six wrongfully detained Americans would soon be reunited with their families. The exchange involves the release of Alex Saab, a Colombian-born businessman and close ally of Maduro, who was held in the U.S. on charges of money laundering.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken hinted at the deal earlier, stating that the U.S. was focused on the release of political prisoners in Venezuela. The Biden administration emphasized its commitment to securing the release of Americans and addressing human rights concerns in Venezuela.
The agreement marks a diplomatic effort between the U.S. and Venezuela, addressing longstanding tensions and human rights issues. The release of Americans, including those considered wrongfully detained, is seen as a positive development in U.S.-Venezuela relations.
