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Former Defense Contractor Executives Plead Guilty In U.S. Navy Bribery Scandal

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Two former executives of a defense contractor linked to an international Navy bribery scandal have pleaded guilty to federal charges in San Diego.

Neil Peterson and Linda Raja entered pleas Tuesday to conspiracy to defraud the U.S.

The Singapore residents worked for Glenn Defense Marine Asia, which provided fuel, food and other services to the Navy in Pacific ports.

Prosecutors say for years the firm and its owner, "Fat" Leonard Francis, bribed Navy officers with fancy gifts, trips and prostitutes to provide classified information in order to beat competitors and overcharge for services.

The scheme cost the Navy some $35 million.

More than a dozen Navy and company officials, including Leonard and an admiral, have pleaded guilty and more await trial in one of the Navy's worst corruption scandals.

TM and © Copyright 2017 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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