World News
Second GDMA Official Charged in Bunker, Services Fraud Scandal
A second official from Glenn Defense Marine Asia (GDMA) has been charged in a fraud and bribery scandal involving fuel sales to the U.S. Navy, U.S. military newspaper Stars and Stripes reports.
Alex Wisidagama, the company's general manager for global government contracts, was charged with defrauding the U.S. government.
The complaint alleges that Wisidagama and others inflated fuel prices, provided fraudulent invoices, and submitted hundreds of false bids, supposedly from competitors, for fuel and other goods and services.
Investigators say the fraud cost the U.S. more than $2.3 million in Thailand alone.
"[GDMA's Country Manager for Thailand] admitted that she, [GDMA owner and CEO Leonard Glenn Francis], and Wisidagama all knew that the quotes submitted to the Navy were fraudulent," the complaint says.
GDMA's CEO and two Navy personnel have already been charged, and another Navy commander was relieved of his duties, as part of the ongoing investigation.
Key Bunker Prices More
| VLSFO | MGO | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $/mt | +/- | $/mt | +/- | |
| Singapore | 565.50 | 6.00 | 661.50 | 4.00 |
| Rotterdam | 510.00 | 2.00 | 661.00 | 2.00 |
| Houston | 548.00 | 2.50 | 666.50 | 0.50 |
| Fujairah | 555.50 | 5.00 | 746.00 | 2.50 |
| Global 20 Ports Average | 582.50 | 1.50 | 753.00 | 1.50 |
| Global 4 Ports Average | 544.50 | 3.00 | 683.50 | 1.00 |
| Global Average Bunker Price | 631.00 | 2.50 | 803.50 | 2.00 |
Popular Now More
-
Nov 11Ship & Bunker explores whether legal and compliance concerns are starting to outweigh the apps' unquestioned convince. -
Nov 11OFAC says efforts to evade sanctions are becoming increasingly sophisticated. -
Nov 14The new hire had previously worked for Lanka Marine Services since February 2017.