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The Realignment

478 | Craig Whitlock: The Story of "Fat Leonard" - How One Man Seduced and Corrupted the U.S. Navy

May 16, 2024
Journalist Craig Whitlock discusses the 'Fat Leonard' scandal, where a Malaysian contractor bribed high-ranking Navy officers, exposing corruption and security gaps. The scandal involved over 1000 individuals, including 90 admirals, showcasing the need for reforms in the military to prevent future scandals.
59:35

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Quick takeaways

  • Manipulative tactics used by 'Fat Leonard' exploited vulnerabilities of Navy officers through gifts and bribes.
  • Exposure of classified military secrets by 'Fat Leonard' revealed security and counter-intelligence flaws in the military.

Deep dives

Leonard's Strategic Approach to Coercion and Influence

Leonard used psychological tactics to manipulate senior Navy officers, grooming them with gifts and favors to secure their compliance. By exploiting personal vulnerabilities and offering extravagant bribes, he cultivated relationships of dependence, leveraging their fear of social or career repercussions.

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