‘Fat Leonard’ may be Venezuela bargaining chip, experts say
Associated PressSAN DIEGO — A fugitive defense contractor nicknamed “Fat Leonard” who claims to have incriminating sex photos of 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, according to experts. Jason Forge, a former federal prosecutor in San Diego involved in high-profile extradition cases out of Mexico, said Francis may try to convince Venezuela that he’s got something to offer, but Forge doubts he truly does. “Even assuming he has embarrassing photos and videos of various naval officers, unless they’re of Hunter Biden at one of the parties, I just don’t see the U.S. caring,” he said, referring to Biden’s son. U.S. officials point out that Venezuela doesn’t appear to have stopped Francis on his way into the country and could easily deport him on their own without any judicial proceeding.
History of this topic
Chile says a Venezuelan fugitive has been arrested in the killing of an anti-Maduro dissident
Associated Press
U.S., Venezuela swap prisoners: Maduro ally for 10 Americans, plus fugitive ‘Fat Leonard’
LA Times
‘Fat Leonard’: US and Venezuela agree to release of 10 Americans in exchange for release of Maduro ally
CNN
U.S. strikes prisoner swap deal with Venezuela, plus extradition of 'Fat Leonard'
NPR
Navy bribery fugitive ‘Fat Leonard’ seeks Venezuelan asylum
Associated Press
‘Fat Leonard’ nabbed in Venezuela after fleeing US Navy trial
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