Leonard Francis executed a naval corruption scheme like no other – plying admirals and officers with booze, parties and prostitutes in return for lucrative navy contracts. His story involves sexual kompromat, a daring escape to Venezuela, and now, a prisoner swap with a suspected money launderer. But how did Whale Hunting host Tom Wright discover this shocking scoop? And what was it like spending so much with a powerful criminal and master manipulator like Leonard Francis? In this episode, Tom and co-host Bradley Hope discuss the Fat Leonard case, navy cover-ups, and the tricky task of interviewing fraudsters. For more information and to subscribe to the Whale Hunting newsletter, go to <a href="https://www.whalehunting.projectbrazen.com">whalehunting.projectbrazen.com</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Flying Low: Data, Dictators, and Private Planes

This is WHALE HUNTING, a weekly podcast that pulls back the curtain on the hidden worlds of money and power, hosted by investigative journalists Tom Wright and Bradley Hope. Previously long-time reporters for the Wall Street Journal, Tom and Bradley now run Project Brazen, a journalism studio that’s published stories on everything from US Navy corruption to spycraft in Silicon Valley and embezzlement at the heart of Spain’s royal family. 
Now, on the Whale Hunting podcast, you can join them as they share what’s got them talking this week, from the headlines to underworld gossip. Each episode will offer something different, but you can expect obscene tales of corruption, insights on the bizarre habits of billionaires, and conversations with reporters, spies, hostage negotiators, cops, authors, and the occasional criminal. Think of it as dropping in on the watercooler chat at Project Brazen’s office. 
So join us. Subscribe to Whale Hunting, and find out how the world really works. 
For more, or to sign up to our newsletter, visit whalehunting.projectbrazen.com.