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| Flickr CC via waltarrr |
Security company and defense contractor Glenn Defense Marine
Asia may be tied to providing bribes and prostitutes in exchange for business
with the United States Navy. CEO Leonard Glenn
Francis has been charged in three cases so far, and more Naval officials are
under investigation in the incident. U.S. attorney Laura Duffy told press that “a number” of officials were willing
to sacrifice their integrity and the high reputation of the U.S. military in
exchange for personal gratification.
Commander Jose Luis Sanchez was charged on Thursday with
giving over classified information about schedules and other sensitive information
to Francis. Sanchez reportedly emailed Francis legal opinions, port
recommendations and inside opinions about Francis’ company that would have been
advantageous to the security business.
An example was Sanchez negotiating on Francis’ behalf to use the company
to refuel at a port in Thailand.
The arrest on Thursday was the third naval official with
charges related to Leonard Francis. Two
more high ranking intelligence officers have been put on leave and restricted
from classified information access in relation to the ongoing investigation. The Navy’s Chief Information Officer told press on Friday that more charges are likely
to come.
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| Flickr CC via Jerry Wong |
All four men charged so far have pleaded not guilty, and
proceedings will take place in San Diego. Prosecutors say that not only was
there bribery, but that the Glenn Marine Company had purposely overcharged the
Navy for its services. The admirals
asked to be put on leave are suspected of providing information to Francis
about the investigation itself.
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