An investigation of corruption among United States Navy officials has widened to include a fourth, who reportedly accepted money, electronics and free stays in luxury lodgings.
27-year-old Petty Officer First Class Dan Layug has been charged in the probe of a defense contractor in Singapore, who reportedly offered bribes worth thousands of dollars.
Reuters reported that Layug made his first court appearance on Thursday. He's been charged with conspiracy to commit bribery, according to the complaint.
Layug, who is based in Tokyo, was taken into police custody in San Diego on Wednesday. He then took the stand before a federal judge the next day.
The 27-year-old official reportedly took cash payments totaling $1,000 a month, in addition to gifted devices and comped stays at fine hotels. In exchange, he offered inside information on Navy ships' schedules to a company called Glenn Defense Marine Asia. The investigation concerns this naval logistics and marine husbanding service provider in particular.
CEO of GDMA Leonard Glenn Francis has been accused of sliding money to Navy officers, along with prostitutes, tickets to concerts and other presents.
Three other Navy authorities have been charged in alleged connection with the investigation.
U.S. Navy Commander Michael Misiewicz, Navy criminal investigations special agent John Beliveau and Commander Jose Luis Sanchez have all been arrested since the investigation began.
Misiewicz and Beliveau were both arrested on September 16, 2013. Francis was also taken into custody at this time. The two Navy men were charged with conspiracy to commit bribery. Sanchez reportedly accepted $100,000 from Francis as a gift. He also agreed to engage with prostitutes and travel on the Malaysia-born businessman's dime.
According to the complaint, Francis allegedly bribed these military officers to guide their ships into harbors where GDMA would provide cleaning, refueling and restoration services for overblown prices. Francis' company also reportedly demanded kickbacks from subcontractors.
A vice admiral and a rear admiral whose identities haven't been release were put on leave, according to Reuters. A captain has also been ejected from his post as command of an assault ship. Neither of these officials have been formally charged.
Layug could spend up to five years in prison and pay a fine of $250,000 if he's found guilty.
