leonard francis, also known as fat leonard, he's a malaysia defense contractor at the center of perhapsion investigation in u.s. military history. a story as fascinating as it is at least at times implausible. let's bring in nbc's dan de luce and craig whit lock, investigative reporter for "the washington post," he's author of the forthcoming book "fat leonard: the conman who corrupted the u.s. navy." tell us about the deal to bring him back to the u.s. and where this goes from here? >> chris, this is quite an amazing tale. leonard francis was transferred to u.s. custody yesterday in return also for the freedom of ten americans who the u.s. believed were being held unlawfully in venezuela, and then in exchange, the u.s. granted clemency to an aide of the president of venezuela, nicolas maduro who was acced of money laundering. leonard francis was a fugitive he had been convicted in this massive bribery scandal and was under house arrest, but he cut off his ankle bracelet and fled the country, ended up in venezuela where there is no extradition treaty between our two countries, and so ve

the americans in the deal and escaped conflict, leonard francis, were flown to miami. >>> a judge setaw set to go into effect on january 1st, violated the second amendment. california's attorney general plans to appeal. >>> and ryan gosling has released "ken e.p." including the christmas edition of his hit song from the "barbie" movie, "i'm just ken." i'm shenelle kahl, cbs news, new york. ♪ >>> this is "the cbs overnight news." >> good evening. i'm margaret brennan in for norah o'donnell. we have details about a major prisoner swap between the u.s. and venezuela. ten americans, including several that the u.s. considered wr wrongfully detained were released from that south american country, for a friend of president nicolas maduro, who is under indictment for narco trafficking. an american fugitive known as fat leonard, who fled the country, before being sentenced for his role in a bribery and corruption case, will be sent back to the u.s. to face justice. the deal is one step in president biden's latest efforts to improve relations with maduro's venezuela, after offering sanctions re

fugitive leonard francis, known as fat leonard, was also returned to america. the malaysian defense contractor escaped u.s. house arrest in california last year and fled to venezuela while awaiting sentencing in one of the biggest bribery and corruption scandals in u.s. navy history. president biden defended the deal last night which also required venezuelan president nicolas maduro release 20 political prisoners and an opposition leader in his country. >> americans, people have been held illegally, and made a deal with venezuela that they'll hold free elections. >> reporter: the u.s. released maduro ally colombian businessman alex saab who had been arrested on federal money laundering charges. maduro said saab had been physically and psychologically tortured, claims the u.s. denied. we can go back to fat leonard now. he is due in court in miami later on today. back to you. >> jarred hill in new york. thank you so much. >>> it appears the road to the white house will soon be detoured to the nation's highest court. that's where former president donald trump is a

is a man named leonard francis, also widely known as fat leonard. this is a former military contractor who was allegedly behind one of the biggest corruption schemes in u.s. navy history. he had fled to venezuela and what u.s. officials are saying about him is that once he is returned to the u.s., they will be able to go after him for the alleged crimes that he's being accused of, jake. >> what does this all mean in the context of the very difficult u.s./venezuelaen state of relations right now? >> reporter: yeah, we have seen efforts by the u.s. to improve relations with venezuela. we saw recently the u.s. government easing sanctions on venezuela. and this step would certainly be another step towards the improvement of relations. you know, the administration as you know very well, jake, has been pushing for mudero and his government to hold free and fair elections. the president told reporters he does believe that he's still on track to doing that, but injected a little bit of skepticism saying we're not all the way there. we'll have to wait and se

also released was the notorious former defence contractor leonard glenn francis known as �*fat leonardne of the us navy's largest corruption cases. in exchange, the us has freed alex saab, an aide and top ally to venezuela's president, nicolas maduro. he was accused of laundering money on behalf of the maduro government, which he denies. mr maduro is also releasing 20 venezuelan political prisoners. it's all part of the biden administration's efforts to improve relations with venezuela and push mr maduro to hold fair elections next year. venezuela thus far is keeping their commitment towards the democratic elections. it's not over yet. they have made detailed commitments, we'll see if they hold them. but we're going to hold them accountable. venezuela's president, nicolas maduro, celebrated the deal. trans—mac tra ns—mac hopefully they trans—mac hopefully they will find a process of respect, equal treatment and understanding between the united states and venezuela. today, a step has been taken that will hopefully contribute to that path. live now to our reporter mimi swaby. biden empha

the release includes infamous former defence contractor leonard glenn francis — known as fat leonard.e's at the center of one of the us navy's largest corruption cases. in exchange — the us has freed alex saab, an aide and top ally to venezuela's president nicolas maduro, accused of laundering money on behalf of the maduro government, which he denies. mr maduro is also releasing 20 venezuelan political prisoners. it's all part of the biden administration's efforts to improve relations with venezuela, and push mr maduro to hold fair elections next year. earlier, i spoke with our reporter mimi swaby about the deal. president byers was emphasising that this was all about encouraging venezuela to hold free and fair elections. how much leveraged you think the biden administration has in that regard? this is yet another sign of significant flowing between relations between the us and venezuela after months of really high—level negotiations. this comes as biden is grappling with a worsening situation on the southern us border largely driven by venezuelan migrants pushing us federal resources

as part of the prisoner swap, venezuela also returned to the fugitive malaysian businessmen leonard glenn francisn as fat leonard, he's accused of masterminding a massive corruption scandal here in asia. it's a remarkable story. let's get the details with tom wright, who made the podcast fat leonard. great to have you on the programme. first, if you can, give us a brief overview of what fat leonard is accused of? fat leonard, leonard glenn francis, was accused of bilking the us navy for least $135 million over decades. he was a contractor, the people food, fuel and security into ships, and after september 11, he made huge amounts of money by overcharging the navy. he would put defensive rings around, stop al-qaeda attacks, steel drums and charge millions of dollars for it. the reason he got away with it is he was also helping out senior navy officers, he was giving them crystal champagne, rolex watches, he was hosting parties for them, watches, he was hosting parties forthem, involving for them, involving prostitutes, and forthem, involving prostitutes, and so this whole scheme went on for years

leonard francis penetrated ncis.st one agent on his payroll who you bribed to feed him law enforcement documents. that worked until his capture in 2013. >> you mentioned he slipped detention in san diego and made his way to venezuela. how did he do that? what happens to him now? >> it is a mind blowing story. he became cooperative with the justice department. he provided incriminating evidence against hundreds of u.s. navy officers who had attended his parties, accepted prostitutes. finally they let him out of prison. he was awaiting sentencing because he got sick so he received vessel treatment. he was on home detention in a million-dollar mansion in san diego. all along authority study he was too sick to flee. what happened over labor day weekend in 2022 is he flew the coop. he sliced off his ankle bracelet, called an uber, and went to the border at tijuana before anybody could figure out he had escaped. he then took some flights through mexico to cuba. to try to get refuge in cuba. they turn him away. he ended up

fat leonard francis is expected to make his first court appearance back in the u.s. in southern california later today. >> thank you so much. >>> coming up for us, migrants are caught in the middle. roughly 10 0 people are stuck in limbo at chicago's o'hare airport after being flown there by the governor of texas. >>> and what ron desantis is pitching as what he'd be doing differently from former president trump's language. i'm a little anxious, i'm a little excited. i'm gonna be emotional, she's gonna be emotional, but it's gonna be so worth it. i love that i can give back to one of our customers. i hope you enjoy these amazing gifts. oh my goodness. oh, you guys. i know you like wrestling, so we got you some vip tickets. you have made an impact. so have you. for you guys to be out here doing something like this, it restores a lot of faith in humanity. >>> new this morning fresh data on the strength of the u.s. economy right now. economic growth expanded 4.9% in the third quarter that's revised down from an earlier number slightly lower than expectations but still s

leonard francis back this u.s. custody as part of a prisoner swap with venezuela. ed lavendera has more. >> reporter: the release of ten americans unfolded so quickly, their families didn't arrive in time to greet them at the san antonio airfield where six of the ten walked off the plane with the u.s. state department officials who negotiated their release. >> free at last, free at last. >> reporter: and savoie wright was one of the six american detainees who arrived in texas. venezuelan authorities arrested him in oblctober on terrorism charges and accused of conspiring with the political opposition of nicolas maduro. wright said he was kidnapped and held for ran system. did you think that you'd see this day? >> i didn't know if i'd ever make it out. it is really scary to be in a place where you are used to having freedoms and you are locked into a cell, sometimes with four other people. and realize am i ever going to get out of this. >> reporter: and the u.s. government special envoy for hostage affairs was part of the extensive team involved in negotiating the p

reportero: estados unidos logrÓ la extradiciÓn de un prÓfugo de su justicia, se trata de leonard francisciÓn terrorista hamas parece estar fortaleciÉndose, la credibilidad e influencia de hamas ha incrementado desde el ataque de ira del 7 de octubre, se han logrado posicionar en el mundo Árabe como un efectivo rival de israel, seÑala que los bombardeos en gaza podrÍan esperar mÁs actos terroristas en israel y el resto del mundo. jorge: un vÍdeo de seguridad captÓ la escena de unos ladrones, los martillos con ellos, los sospechosos destrozaron el estante de cristal de esta joyerÍa y las cajas de adentro, habÍa seis ladrones que le robaron mÁs del 30% de su mercancÍa. maity: en esta temporada de fiestas de la seguridad es clave, hay personas que prefieren hacer sus compras con tarjeta de dÉbito o crÉdito, pero en realidad la opciÓn mÁs segura son las billeteras electrÓnicas, luis nos explica por quÉ. luis: consiste simplemente en acercar el telÉfono a un lector electrÓnico para pagar, se hizo popular durante la pandemia cuando nadie querÍa tocar nada. jesÚs ve que de a poco el sistema se h

leonard francis, better known as fat leonard was behind one of the worst navy scandals in history and fled before his sentencing in return, the u.s. is releasing a colombian businessman, a madur maduro ally. this is the latest swap mediated by the qatari government among the detain americans, joseph cristela. we spoke with his mother who said her son was being used as a bargaining chip. >> it's just been a horrendous journey, and it's finally come to an end. >> and our thanks to gabe gutierrez for that report. >>> texas governor greg abbott is turning up the heat on his border fight with northern states by charterering a flighto more than a hundred migrants to chicago. it's the first time they have used planes to offload migrants on blue states they so far have sent more than 75,000 migrants from texas to six other cities announcing the move on x, abbott said until biden steps up to secure the border, we will continue to provide overwhelmed texas border towns with much-needed relief the white house fired back in a statement calling it a political stunt, adding, quite, yet again, gover

>> reporter: venezuela is also releasing 20 political prisoners and sending back a fugitive, leonard francis, better known as fat leonard was behind one of the worst bribery scandals in u.s. navy history and fled to venezuela last year before his sentencing in return, the u.s. is releasing colombian businessman alex saab, a maduro ally, who is accused of bribery and money laundering. with negotiations over hostages in gaza ongoing, and tense talks with russia under way over its detainees, this is the latest swap mediated by the qatari government. among the wrongfully detained americans, joseph cristella >> what was your reaction today when you heard that your son was coming home? >> i was shocked. >> reporter: late today we spoke with his mother, who says her son was being used as a bargaining chip. >> it's just been a horrendous journey, and it's finally come to an end. >> reporter: still, maduro's critics call him a narco dictator, and tonight they worry cutting a deal with him will incentivize others to detain more americans. lester >> all right, gabe gutierrez, thank you >>> now to a sto

today, leonard francis, known as fat leonard, returned to a u.s. courtroom., he pleaded guilty to bribing high-ranking u.s. navy officers. he was under house arrest and awaiting sentencing in san diego, where authorities say he cut off his ankle monitor and escaped to venezuela last year. attempts to broker another hostage release are at a standstill. israel has vowed to bombard gaza until hamas is wiped out, and hamas insists no hostages will be released without a complete stop to the war. tonight, cbs's imtiaz tyab shows us how some of the sick and wounded in gaza were airlifted from that war zone. >> reporter: it's a hospital like no other: a boeing 777. to collect and care for gaza's most desperate, and the need is desperate. according to the w.h.o., after just 11 weeks of war, only nine of gaza's 36 hospitals are just barely functional, but these ambulances are a glimmer of hope. on board are the dozens of patients, some so sick a cargo lift had to be used to get them on board. on the flight, we met little fatina, who still manages a smile for doctors de

. >> reporter: also coming back to the u.s., leonard francis, widely known as "fat leonard," who hadng sentencing for overseeing one of the most brazen bribery conspiracies in the u.s. navy's history, before escaping last year. a former military contractor, he pleaded guilty to bribing navy officers in exchange for classified information and for overcharging the military by millions. in exchange, the u.s. sent back alex saab, someone close to maduro, accused by u.s. prosecutors of money laundering on behalf of maduro's government. president biden defendr then moved and i. >> why is it okay with the united states to be associated with maduro's government? >> it's okay because we freed americans that were held illegally. i made a deal with venezuela that they'll hold free elections. so far they have maintained the requirement. >> reporter: in venezuela, maduro embraced saab, who claimed his friend had been physically and psychologically tortured. u.s. officials tonight denied maduro's claims of torture. the deal took bipartisan condemnation over concern whether it will embolden maduro,

this deal includes the extradition of leonard francis, aka fat leonard, former military contractor who orchestrated the largest corruption scandal in the history of the united states navy. coming up, who else is involved in this exchange? plus, a top harvard review board accused of allowing a double standard, drawing the line on students in imagine plagiarism, clear with questions of plagiarism with the ho

his real name is leonard francis, he's a malaysian national, and he had originally beenjailed in the, and overcharging the us navy for contracts, to the tune of around $35 million. he'd fled to venezuela, after escaping house arrest in california in september 2022. he'll now be returned to the us justice system. and the standout name among the 20 venezuelans who are being sent back from the us is alex saab. he's a close associate of president maduro, and is alleged to have diverted around $350 million from food aid programmes for venezuela. he was originally arrested injune 2020 during a stopover in cape verde, before he was extradited to america. and you can find much more on this story — and the background to the often strained relations between the us and venezuela — on our website, bbc.com/news, or go via the bbc app. around the world and across the uk, this is bbc news. ajudge will decide today whether the two i6—year—olds found guilty of murdering brown brianna ghey can be named. senior politicians in the security services fear that artificial intelligence could be used to disr

his real name is leonard francis — he's a malaysian national — and he had originally beenjailed in the the us navy for contracts, to the tune of around $35 million. he'd fled to venezuela, after escaping house arrest in california in september 2022. he'll now be returned to the us justice system. and the standout name among the 20 venezuelans, who are being sent back from the us, is alex saab. he's a close associate of president maduro — and is alleged to have diverted around $350 million from food aid programmes for venezuela. he was originally arrested injune 2020 during a stopover in cape verde, before he was extradited to america. and you can find much more on this story — and the background to the often strained relations between the us and venezuela — on our website — bbc.com/news — or go via the bbc app. sir keir starmer and the shadow defence secretary john healey are visiting british troops deployed near the russian border in estonia to stress labour's commitment to nato. the labour leader will also use his visit to warn that the west must not lose sight of moscow's threat to

as part of the prisoner swap, venezuela also returned the fugitive malaysian businessman, leonard glenn franciso the us. known as fat leonard, he is accused of masterminding a massive corruption scandal here in asia. tom wright made a podcast about him. leonard was furious because he thought he had pleaded guilty to what i have just described. he got cancer and was allowed out ofjail in venezuela. he was wearing an ankle monitoring bracelet and he watched and i agree with him as admiral after admiral who were involved with him were not taken to court. if you look at who was taken to court in the us it was more lower—level officers. 30 or so people were charged. a bunch did jail time. the recent court cases where number of other officers have collapsed. leonard escaped. he tried to board, he went into mexican and then venezuela and he almost got to russia. he was trying to board a plane to russia when he was arrested by venezuelan authorities and now he has been brought back to the us for sentencing. he has already pleaded guilty. how long is expected to be sentenced for? he could get decades in

the deal includes the extradition of leonard francis, fat leonard, who orchestrated the largest corruption scandal in u.s. history. and the u.s. agreed to release a top ally of nicolas maduro who was facing prison time in the u.s. on corruption and money laundering charges. we're hearing from another wrongfully detained individual, paul whelan in russia, who said he feels abandoned by the u.s. he told bbc, quote, it's extremely stressful knowing that i could have been home years ago, it's frustrating to know they made these mistakes, they basically abandoned me here. joining us is jonathan franks, representing the family of savoy wright and helped with the process of getting him home. he's worked on the release of several other americans getting them home. including trevor reed. we appreciate your time this morning. you've done so much work on these issues. in this case in particular have you been in touch with savoy's family how is he doing? >> thanks for having me. they're overjoyed. i appreciate you playing the clip of him getting off the arm, i -- clip of him getting off the airplane.

but as part of the prisoner swap, venezuela also returned the fugitive malaysian businessman leonard glenn francis he is accused of masterminding a massive corruption scandal here in asia. tom wright made a podcast about him. he told me the remarkable story. he told me the remarkable sto . ., , ., , he told me the remarkable sto. , story. he was furious because what he thought _ story. he was furious because what he thought was - story. he was furious because what he thought was he - story. he was furious because | what he thought was he would plead guilty to all of this that i have just described and then he got cancer, he was allowed out ofjail in san diego and put into home detention. he was wearing an ankle monitoring bracelet and he watched — and i agree with him — as admiral after admiral who were involved with him were not taken to court criminally. if you look at who was taken to court in the us, it was more lower—level officers. i think 30 or so people were charged. a bunch did jail time. the recent court cases of a number of other officers have collapsed. so leonard then escaped. he trie

. >> what about leonard francis? he is known as fat leonard.by the largest corruption scandal in u.s. history. >> i think there was a desire to clear the decks. he needs to face justice for what he has done. he has already been convicted. he gets another positive to his deal. maybe the administration is not getting credit for that. >> we mentioned earlier that six of the americans free work deemed wrongfully detained. does that mean their detainment was justified? >> it is not, necessarily. that process is difficult. in countries like venezuela, the government often prohibits defendants from getting copies of court documents. it is really hard to provide the type of documentary evidence necessary for designation. when the person holding your loved one refuses to give you even one document. we did not even have a charging document in this case. >> what can you tell us about how he is doing today? >> last time i talk to his family, they had not heard from him yet. but that are incredibly excited. it has been a difficult several months. this famil

. >> also is leonard francis, the infamously corrupt contractor known as fat leonard. he was the mastermind of the largest bribery scandal nus naval history. he fled to venezuela after his conviction in 2015. the u.s. had used sanctions against venezuela, and agreed to return an ally of the venezuelan president. he was facing prison time in the u.s. on corruption and money laundering charges. the venezuelan government is also releasing 20 political prisoners, some seen leaving prison by a cnn team in venezuela. the biden administration says this deal is a sign of improving relations between the u.s. and venezuela, and part of its effort to push the dictatorship towards more democratic reforms. but the deal comes as their regime is threatening to take over part of a neighboring country, guy honest it's just used to venezuela and maduro wants control of the small country's oil reserves. and a senior administration official says maduro still faces criminal charges in the u.s., including trafficking and corruption. president biden is vowing to keep the pressure up on the v

venezuela sent back ten americans plus fugitive malaysian defense contractor leonard glenn francis francis, also known as fat leonard, escaped u.s. custody last year. francis pleaded guilty to the $35 billion scheme, which used prostitutes, luxury travel and cash to bribe u.s. naval officers into steering lucrative contracts to his companies. as part of the deal, president biden says president maduro also gave assurances he would allow fair elections. biden also saying lifted sanctions could snap back if venezuela doesn't uphold its end of the deal. andrew. >> all right, justin, thank you. former president trump is expected to appeal to the supreme court as early as next week after being removed from the ballot in colorado. the ruling by colorado's highest court is based on the 14th amendment, which bans insurrection from holding office. 16 other states are considering similar moves, and officials in california are now exploring options to remove trump from their ballot. opponents of the colorado ruling argue trump has not been convicted for his alleged role in the january 6th insurrection

that includes malaysian businessman leonard francis, known as fat leonard, who assisted in one of the corruption scandals in u.s. navy history. ♪ >> bret: here is something you don't hear every day. some positive news tonight about america's crime crisis. two west coast cities dealing with spikes in retail theft are seeing some numbers come down. correspondent dan springer is in seattle to tell us why. >> washington state criminals led the nation in retail theft last year, thieves took $347 worth of good for every resident. twice the national average. retailers lost $2.7 billion. >> more profitable than robbing from a bank. it is safer and less consequences. you are less likely to be apprehended. >> san francisco had the same problem. shoplifters mocking police who appeared impotent. but both cities fought back. sfpd called blitz operations arresting dozens of thieves at a time. and to date 300 over 40 raids. retailers also began locking up their merchandise. at this t-mobile store every display product is locked. the inventory in a back room safe. in seattle, heavy shopping areas are

. >> the deal included the return of the corrupt military co contractor known as fat leonard francis. he was the master mind of the largest bribery scandal and escaped to venezuela in 2015. in exchange the u.s. agreed to return a close ally of the venezuelan president who was facing prison time in the u.s. >> if you don't make a hard decision like this you're writing these guys off. the other side never asked for something easy. >> i'm incredibly grateful. i'm sorry i can't speak. >> reporter: hernandez was wrongfully imprisoned in venezuela for 630 days, he was held in a makeshift prison and endured psychological mistreatment. >> they keep you there in inhumane conditions and make your life a living hell. they do everything in their power to make you go crazy. >> reporter: despite this hernandez said he doesn't hold any anger for those who imprisoned him. >> all you think about when you're in prison is, how you didn't appreciate being free while you were free. there's no way to understand what it's like to be in prison unjustly, and not have any way out. so it's been a long time comi

the deal also included the return of the infamously corrupt military contractor known as fat leonard francis he was the mastermind the largest bribery scandal in u. s. naval history, and escape to venezuela last year after his conviction in 2015. an exchange, the u.s. agreed to return alex abe, close ally of the venezuelan president who was facing prison time in the u.s. on corruption and money laundering charges. >> if you don't make a hard decision like this, you are basically writing these guys off. because the other side never asked for something easy. >> i'm incredibly grateful. i'm sorry, i can't even speak. >> reporter: evan hernandez was wrongfully imprisoned venezuela for 630 days. he says he was held in a makeshift prison, and adored psychological mistreatment. >> so they keep you, they're inhumane conditions, and they make your life a living. they do everything in their power for you to lose that piece, and try to make you go crazy. >> reporter: despite this, hernandez as he doesn't harbor any anger or hatred to those who imprisoned him, and he hopes the u.s. and venezuela can com

this was a man, leonard francis, fat leonard, as he's been known, who pled guilty to a scheme, a briberye in the u.s., involving the u.s. navy. but had cut off his ankle bracelet before he could be sentenced and managed to get to venezuela before trying to get on a flight to russia as we understand it. but he was detained in venezuela last year and then ultimately returned as part of this deal. the man that you spoke about earlier, jose, alex saab, was a close ally of nicolas maduro, the president of venezuela, someone who also was accused of laundering money and someone that the venezuelans had been pushing, trying really hard to get back and we saw the video of him returning to the presidential palace alongside maduro yesterday in a sort of triumphant moment for the maduro regime. this was something that they, as i said, had been pushing for, and despite the concerns here in the u.s., both inside the administration and outside, this was an exchange the president said he was willing to make, one person, in exchange for ten americans who the u.s. says now will be able to spend the holida

also, from this, is getting someone known as leonard francis, or fat leonard involved in a u.s.y bribery scandal. he fled to venezuela. he has been arrested, returned to u.s. soil where he will now face a delayed sentencing for those charges. >> monica alba at the white house, thank you so much. >>> a threat. colorado supreme court justices facing death threats and more after they ruled donald trump can't be on the colorado ballot. details next when "andrea mitchell reports" is back in a few minutes after a quick break. but i want to stay in my home, where my family visits often and where my memories are. i can do it with help from a prep cook, wardrobe assistant and stylist, someone to help me live right at home. life's good. when you have a plan. ♪ ♪ (husband) yoohoo, surprise! (son) dad? (husband) ♪ hey there family! while you're shopping, ♪ ♪ get me a 5g phone, it's on my list. ♪ (wife) seriously? a better plan is verizon. (husband) they'd take this mess? (caroler) ♪ very much so. just trade in that old phone. ♪ ♪ for a free 5g phone, plus netflix and max ♪ (wife) you really

there's also a very interesting characters whose nickname is fat leonard, leonard francis, who's also been released by the venezuelans, this is a convict that the u.s. is keen to get their hands on. he is someone who the u.s. says orchestrated one of the biggest corruption schemes in u.s. navy all history. he was set to be sentenced but managed to escape the united states, go to mexico, cuba and then caught in venezuela on his way to russia, so that is someone who the u.s. judicial system certainly wants to get back into the u.s. to proceed with his punishment. and then in exchange, the release that the u.s. is making is a man named alex solve, the administration described this as a difficult decision. he is close to venezuelan president maduro, he is cute accused the united states of laundering millions of dollars and orchestrating what they call a fast corruption network and significantly profiting from food imports and distribution. there's been so much focus about the hostage conversations and now between israel and hamas but the americans who venezuela have been holding have been

and that fugitive is leonard francis, he is better known as fat leonard.d one of the worst bribery scandals in u.s. navy history. leonard fled to venezuela just week before sentencing. and in return, the u.s. is releasing a colombia businessman, an ally of president maduro and accused of bribery and money laundering to the tune of $350 million. and as you see there, he was granted clemency by president biden. but already this is drawing loud opposition from critics of the biden administration, of course opponents to venezuela's government including republican florida senator marco rubio who has already released a statement calling maduro a dictator and calling out the biden administration for what he sees as a shameless deal that will only intensify tyrants to continue to hold americans hostage. but again, the biden administration trying to make the argument that, yes, it was a difficult decision to release this maduro ally, but that is a priority of the administration to get americans home. and again, 10 americans including six of those who were wrongfull

as well as 20 political prisoners and notably, a fugitive from the u.s., now, that fugitive, leonard franciswas allegedly behind one of the worst bribery scandals in u.s. navy history. he fled to venezuela last year, weeks before his sentencing after cutting off his ankle monitor. in return, the u.s. is releasing a colombian businessman. an ally accused of bribery and money laundering to the tune of about $350 million. now, the biden administration calling this a very difficult decision to release alex saab, but saying that the president made that decision in an effort to get those americans home. again, ten americans on their way to the u.s., including six of them who have been designated as wrongfully detained, chris. >> gabe gutierrez, thank you. >>> texas governor greg abbott's controversial immigration policy now spreading beyond the border. the new backlash from mexico's president. we'll ahead to eagle pass, texas, next. my active psoriatic arthritis can make me feel like i'm losing my rhythm. with skyrizi to treat my skin and joints, i'm getting into my groove. ♪(uplifting music)♪ alo

president, nicolas maduro, and venezuela will extradite back to the united states a fellow named leonard francisarge scandal involving the 7th fleet of the navy named fat leonard, apparently he bribed some officers of the 7th fleet with about a half a million dollars for classified information about ship movements as well as other confidential information. so, he will be heading back to the united states to finally face justice and ten other americans will be coming home just in time for the holidays. sandra. >> sandra: we'll follow that story for everybody and see if there is continued reaction to that. meanwhile, christmas lists for tween girls are looking different, and sorry mom and dad, probably more pricey. instead of asking for games or art supplies, they are asking for skin care, like this. that's right, face cream costing upwards of $60 is the hottest christmas gift for girls ages 10 to 14. and the "wall street journal" says it's all thanks to colorful packaging promoted all over social media. tiktok, instagram, influencers are telling them they have to have it. kennedy saves the world

they will return leonard glenn francis, known as fat leonard, to the us. the largest fraudsters in the us. in exchange, they have returned a man accused of laundering money on behalf of the maduro government. it's all part of the biden administration's efforts to improve relation with venezuela and push mr maduro to hold fair elections next year. we have no higher priority than the release of americans held hostage. in addition to that, venezuela thus far is keeping their commitment towards the democratic elections. it's not over yet. they have made detailed commitments, we'll see if they hold them. we're going to hold them accountable. around the world and across the uk — this is bbc news. let's look at some other stories making news. 44 million voters in the democratic republic of congo are taking part in a presidential election that has been extended into thursday, after being marred by lengthy delays and claims of fraud. long queues have been reported at many polling stations across the country's capital kinshasa. president felix tshisekedi is facing 1

. >> leonard francis busted nearly a decade ago bulking the u.s.y officers with booze, hookers and lavish gifts. he escaped custody lastier and fled to venezuela where they arrested him. finally, senator marco rubio is slamming the deal on x this morning saying disgraceful decision by president biden to release alex saab, the administration's policy of impeachment only emboldens narcokick territory. we will see if there is any more fallout from this deal, lawrence? they do a lot of prisoner swaps. >> no editors anymore who say you can't print that. >> lawrence: what is he talking about in the media is so favorable to him. and the little negative stories that they talk about is too much for the president? i don't get it. >> lawrence, it's insane. i mean, once in a while there will be some truth that slips through the cracks, but you have never seen a media so hackish and so deferential to a person. they helped him get elected there is no president in history who should be on his knees thanking the media more than president biden. funny part is when

this is leonard francis is his name, and he goes by fat leonard as you said.awaiting sentencing here in the u.s. a little over a year ago when he was able to cut off his ankle monitoring bracelet and leave san diego, somehow get out of san diego and make his way to venezuela. as we understand it, he was at the airport on his way to russia when the venezuelan police arrested him and he had been detained there in venezuela from last fal up until this very week when he's been sent back. and so at this point, the u.s. vernment, as you noted, has said he was involved in a bribery scheme tthe tune of $35 millio ultimately, but in particular had pleaded guilty to using about half a million dollars to bribe u.s. officials, navy officials into activities that would help his businesses, and so the u.s. government wanted him back. they want him to be sentenced and we'll be looking out to see what more gets tacked onto the sentence, given his escape. >> thank you so much, aaron gilchrist and hagar she mali. >>> a brand new accounting on the toll of the war between israel

today leonard francis, known as fat leonard, returned to a u.s. courtroom.ng sentencing in san diego when authorities say he cut off his ankle monitor and escaped to venezuela last year. >>> attempts to broker another hostage release are at a standstill. israel has vowed to bombard gaza until hamas is wiped out, and hamas insists no hostages will be released without a complete stop to the war. tonight cbs's imtiaz tyab shows us how some of the sick and wounded in gaza were airlifted from that war zone. >> reporter: it's a hospital like no other. a boeing 777 to collect and care for gaza's most desperate. and the need is desperate. according to the w.h.o., after just 11 weeks of war, only 9 out of gaza's 36 hospitals are just barely functioning. but these ambulances are a glimmer of hope. on board are the dozens of patients, some so sick a cargo lift had to be used to get them on board. on the flight, we met little fatina, who still manages to smile for doctors despite a crushed pelvis from an israeli air strike. >> what do you want the world to know about ga

defense contractor leonard glenn francis, also known as fat leonard. the man behind a $35 million bribery scheme, the largest corruption scandal in u.s. military history. in 2015, he pleaded guilty to using prostitutes, luxury travel, and cash to bribe u.s. naval officers to steer lucrative contracts to his companies. a scheme he described in an interview for an investigative podcast produced by project brazen in 2021. >> everybody was in my pocket. i had them in my palm. i was just rolling them around. >> reporter: just three weeks before his sentencing last year, francis, under house arrest, staged a stunning escape, cutting off his ankle monitor. after weeks on the run, he was finally captured in venezuela. in exchange for francis and the ten americans, the u.s. granting clemency to alex saab, a top ally of venezuela's authoritarian president, nicolas maduro. saab was arrested in 2020 for money laundering. today, the two men back together at the presidential palace. >>> tonight, the horrific images just in here. the newly released police video of th

venezuela sent back ten americans plus fugitive malaysian defense contractor leonard glenn francis francisalso known as fat leonard, escaped u.s. custody last year. francis pleaded guilty to the $35 billion scheme, which used prostitutes, luxury travel and cash to bribe u.s. naval officers into steering lucrative contracts to his companies. as part of that deal, president biden says president maduro also gave assurances he would allow fair elections. biden also saying lifted sanctions could snap back if venezuela doesn't uphold its end of the deal. justin finch, abc news, washington. well is already on. >> this is a live look. this morning from new york city. that giant 20-24. you see the numerals have arrived at times square in time for initial lighting ceremony five, four, three, two, one. >> happy new year. yes. >> okay. you know, you gotta make sure it works. the numbers have been on tour at holiday events from coast to coast. they're going to be moved from the broadway plaza to one times square on the 31st. and that's when the real festivities start. dick clark's new year's rockin eve

francis, also known as fat leonard, escaped us custody last year. heme, which used prostitutes, luxury travel and cash to bribe us naval officers into steering lucrative contracts to his companies. as part of that deal, president biden says president maduro also gave assurances he would allow fair elections. biden also saying lifted sanctions could snap back if venezuela doesn't uphold its end of the deal. justin finch abc news, washington. a new study suggests driverless cars are safer than cars with humans behind the wheel. >> mountain view based waymo says it's fully driverless. taxis have a 90% lower crash rate than human drivers in san francisco. the study covered a little more than 7 million miles in three cities, including more than a million and a half miles in san francisco. >> we compare those to with each other. we see that we're involved in far fewer crashes as we're involved, involved in far fewer injuries and police reports, you know, 7 million miles sounds like a lot, but it's really a small sample size. >> so when you start to think a

. >> reporter: also returned to the u.s., fugitive leonard francis also known as fat leonard, the mastere of a $35 million bribery scheme, the largest corruption scandal in u.s. military history. in 2015, he pleaded guilty to using prostitutes, luxury travel and cash to bribe u.s. naval officers to steer lucrative contracts to his company. here is francis on an investigative podcast produced by project brazen in 2021. >> everybody was in my pocket. i had them in my palm and was just rolling them around. i could just move the carriers like, you know, paper ships in the water. >> reporter: in exchange, the u.s. granting clemency to alex saab, a top ally to venezuela's president. he was greeted on the tarmac by his wife and daughters. >> gracias. >> reporter: saying i thank the people of venezuela. i'm proud to serve the people of venezuela and to serve this government. saab was arrested in 2020 on mon money laundering charges. he was later welcomed at the presidential palace there. this all comes as the biden administration is trying to improve relations with venezuela in hopes the country