The #1 New York Times bestselling author, Craig Whitlock, presents an extraordinary account of one of the biggest public corruption scandals in United States history. The book reveals how a charismatic Malaysian defense contractor bribed numerous high-ranking military officers, defrauded the U.S. Navy of tens of millions of dollars, and jeopardized the security of the country.

Every admiral in the U.S. Navy knew Leonard Glenn Francis, either personally or through his legendary reputation. As the largest defense supplier, he was welcomed at every port visit in Asia, offering them an unforgettable experience after weeks at sea, while his company supplied their ships and submarines. He was famous for the feasts he organized for the officers: thousand-dollar-per-person dinners at the most luxurious restaurants in Asia, with unlimited Dom Pérignon, Cuban cigars, and young women.

However, what the officers did not realize, until it was too late, was that Francis had charmed them by exploiting their arrogance. While bribing them with gifts, lavish meals, and drinks, he was simultaneously getting rich at the expense of American taxpayers. Even worse, he was stealing military secrets right under the admirals' noses and compromising national security. Based on a trove of confidential documents — including the extortion files Francis kept on Navy officers — "Fat Leonard" is the complete, revealing story of an award-winning con artist and a stunning testimony to the corrosive influence of greed within the ranks of the American military.

Pages: 480, Year of Publication: 0620, Dimensions: 15.2x15.2cm