Fat Leonard

How One Man Bribed, Bilked, and Seduced the U.S. Navy

By: Craig Whitlock

Narrated by: Dan Bittner

#1 New York Times bestselling author Craig Whitlock’s “masterly investigation into one of the Navy’s worst scandals” (The New York Times).

All the admirals in the US Navy knew Leonard Glenn Francis—either personally or by his legendary reputation. He was the larger-than-life defense contractor who greeted them on the pier whenever they visited ports in Asia, ready to show them a good time after weeks at sea while his company resupplied their ships and submarines. He was famed throughout the fleet for the gluttonous parties he hosted for officers: $1,000-per-person dinners at Asia’s swankiest restaurants, featuring unlimited Dom Pérignon, Cuban cigars, and sexy young women.

On the surface, with his flawless American accent, he seemed like a true friend of the Navy. What the brass didn’t realize, until far too late, was that Francis had seduced them by exploiting their entitlement and hubris. While he was bribing them with gifts, lavish meals, and booze-fueled orgies, he was making himself obscenely wealthy by bilking American taxpayers. Worse, he was stealing military secrets from under the admirals’ noses and compromising national security.

Based on reams of confidential documents—including the blackmail files that Francis kept on Navy officers—Fat Leonard is the full, unvarnished story of a world-class con man and a captivating testament to the corrosive influence of greed within the ranks of the American military.

Incredible but true story.

Amazing to hear how cheaply US Navy admirals could be bought. And how easy they were let off.

Unbelievable but true

Crazy to think about what would happen to any average soldier or sailor and yet most of these senior leaders got away with this

Disheartening and compelling

Even though I had heard several podcasts and read some articles about this case, this book was very compelling and brought to light fascinating details about this stain on the Navy and the Department of Justice. I couldn’t put it down. Whitlock does a great job of introducing the many players and helpfully reminding the reader of their role when he brings them up chapters later. This should be must reading for any sailor sent to the Pacific Theatre, at the Naval Academy, and really anyone in service.

Wild Story!

Great listen! This absolutely unbelievable story is worth a listen for sure as it never ceases to amaze! Thoroughly enjoyed this one!

Simply WOW!

Great story of what too many of us just didnt hear about...still amazed at how many got away with no punishment!!