World Of Secrets

Season 7: World of Secrets presents: The Six Billion Dollar Gold Scam. Also: Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods. Women accuse Mohamed Al Fayed of rape. And: The Abercrombie Guys. Investigating sexual exploitation claims against the former CEO of fashion giant Abercrombie & Fitch. Delve into a World of Secrets: the global investigations podcast from the BBC. Uncovering stories around the world and telling them, episode by episode, with gripping storytelling. Latest season: World of Secrets presents, The Six Billion Dollar Gold Scam. It was the biggest gold discovery in history…until it wasn’t. In 1995, Canadian mining company Bre-X announced to the world it had found a significant amount of gold deep in the jungles of Indonesia. Stock prices soared as investors worldwide fought to stake their claim. But when Bre-X’s chief geologist mysteriously fell from a helicopter over the jungle, the story of the billion dollar discovery began to unravel. Nearly three decades later, no one has ever been held accountable. Now, host Suzanne Wilton takes listeners from the jungles of Indonesia to small town Alberta, Canada, to investigate what really happened and find out more about the man behind the biggest goldmine fraud of all time. Produced for the BBC World Service and CBC by BBC Scotland Productions. The Six Billion Dollar Gold Scam was first published in May 2024. Previous seasons of World of Secrets: Season 6: The Bad Guru. A yoga school in London. A guru running from the police. How did Miranda get sucked in? Journalist Cat McShane investigates the international yoga movement headed by Gregorian Bivolaru, the spiritual guide arrested by French police in November 2023 and charged with human trafficking, organised kidnapping, rape and organised abuse of weakness by members of a sect. Season 5: Finding Mr Fox. Investigating a plot to smuggle around a hundred millions of dollars’ worth of drugs from Brazil to Europe and the miscarriage of justice that followed. But where is the man Brazilian police believe to be at the centre of it all? Season 4: Al Fayed, Predator at Harrods. Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Al Fayed – then owner of Harrods, one of the most famous shops in the world – is accused of rape and attempted rape by women who worked for him. Now they refuse to be silenced any longer. Season 3: The Apartheid Killer. All the victims were black and the youngest was just 12 years old. Some relatives are still searching for the graves. They were killed during a three-year bloodbath in the 1980s, in the South African city of East London – by one person. He killed so many, he lost count. In piecing together this story, we expose the disturbed past and racial injustices of South Africa itself. Season 2: The Disciples. The cult of Nigerian prophet TB Joshua. A story of miracles, faith and manipulation, told by people from around the world, who gave up everything for one of the most powerful religious figures of the century. Lured by TB Joshua’s claimed healing powers, they live as disciples in a guarded Lagos compound, cut off from family and friends. Season 1: The Abercrombie Guys. An investigation into claims of sexual exploitation made against the former CEO of fashion giant Abercrombie & Fitch. He and his British partner were accused by several men, recruited for sex events they hosted around the world.

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Recent Reviews
  • iphonehassle
    Annoying ads
    Frequent and annoying loud advertisements makes for disturbing listening
  • Jennifer in Nyc
    Hard to focus
    For the love of God -can we stop with the stupid music! So annoying and such a distraction. The story is interesting and doesn’t need all that crazy music. Please stop!!
  • J*La2020
    Profiteering
    Season 6: This story could have been told in 3-4 episodes. The plot felt circuitous, keen to spend undue time hearing the same, terrible abuses on repeat. It felt like I was “rubbernecking trauma” at several points. Gross. And the story has no end - nothing happens the the perpetrator and there is no actionable way to support the victims.
  • Ktkartwrite
    The Disciples
    I was enthralled and captivated from the moment this podcast started Each survivor that came forward with their stories set you on the edge of your seat not knowing what could possibly come next. Your work and dedication to this story is phenomenal. To spend over two years working on one story while risking your life in the process humbles me. Your dedication has given a voice to so many that have been ignored and shamed for being abused by a master manipulator. I hope this podcast reaches millions more and continues to motivate others to come forward.
  • Lisiem
    Please don’t join a cult
    Every time I listen to a podcast or read about a cult, I just am so frustrated, but this reaches new heights. I know that hindsight is 20/20, but please don’t sacrifice your conscience for “connectivity” and enlightenment. If anyone claims to have the answers to everything you’re seeking, just assume they’re lying. No one has all the answers. And please have boundaries. Boundaries are healthy. If people are asking you to change your boundaries for them, it’s most likely not a good thing. Lord have mercy. I just can’t with the things these people did. Have boundaries! There are no simple answers to the mystery of existence. And if someone tells you to quit your job and participate in naked massage and drink piss to reach your “spiritual” peak, please run far away from them. 🙏🏽 Monsters cannot continue to destroy lives and take our power with their manipulation if we refuse to let them.
  • soul24
    Beyond Belief
    Season 6 - I’m not all the way through but by way of warning, this is the darkest most disgusting material I’ve ever listened to. I’ve heard some really dark podcasts but this is the worst. You can’t effectively tell this story without including the graphic detail. I give a lot of credit to the producers for not holding back. But it is going to be unbearable for many. Just be warned.
  • MKULTRA83
    Upper class
    Are pathetic excuses of parasites. Burn them all
  • ginnibug70
    I never had heard of these
    Start at the very beginning at season 1, so far I’m hooked on the Abercrombie Guys!!!!! I knew nothing about this! How did I not know???? Omg!
  • SPWilds
    Shocking AND Definitely Worth A Listen
    Fantastic journalism! Thank you to Miranda & all of the other brave people who stepped up to speak out against this evil “organization.” This podcast really shows how almost anyone amongst us can get sucked into a cult. BTW, this group is not far away from the Cult of Scientology.
  • NatNixon
    Great series!!
    Excellent investigative journalism combined with top notch storytelling that feels quite cinematic as I listen to it. Thank you for this great reporting!
  • doavemc
    Excellent
    Top notch old school investigative journalism.
  • JaeBeeSea
    Abercrombie
    While I’m too old and too curvy to wear the clothes, I know I’m cool 😊 and I also know this podcast is the coolest. A&F? These guys are predator trash. That said, podcast is right up my alley… clear, concise, factual, no fluff… that’s BBC for you. Bummed my current season is up to date. Guess I’ll check out #1
  • 8373david
    Amazing Reporting
    I listened to season 1 and this was the first thing I thought of when the arrests happened. Wow. Amazing work.
  • KHASL
    Season 4 could be so much better
    Why so salacious? Why does this sound like two college students taking turns reading an essay? The reporter is a decent narrator. The other is stilted: “She climbs in. And drives off. Into the night.” Heavy-handed writing weighs the story down. The guests are engaging though!
  • Mac an tSionnaigh
    Al Fayed series
    Drawn out and soporific.
  • T-Lur
    Very good
    History matters
  • George_1588
    Heart-rending
    I couldn't stop listening to this series. It shows the resilience of the human spirit and the ultimate victory of justice. I wish we could have more of these to help South Africa and other peoples from other parts of the world who have suffered unfairly at the hands of other human beings to achieve closure and recovery. I also pray for justice for perpetrators and restitution for the victims os such heinous crimes.
  • pualanastyle
    Captivating storytelling
    Along with excellent investigations. Worth a listen!
  • HelenaKahlo
    Haunting and brilliant work
    Absolutely brilliant piece revealing the depraved depths of a sociopath accepted and condoned by every day people living in apartheid. It is a warning for us all…what society will allow to pass when entire groups of people are marginalized and relegated to “less than.” Kudos to Isa Jacobson for taking this story on, in all the harrowing nightmares she must have experienced in getting to know this sociopath. We are truly lucky to have such brave people in our society, willing to sacrifice so much to expose the truth.
  • Richard8820
    Captivating
    Well done, thank you for a well produced show.
  • Annoyed Matric
    Apartheid Killer
    Whilst the content is reasonably well researched, please do some fact checks. A non white South African would NEVER have been conscripted to the SA Defence Force during Apartheid. There is no reason why Edward Soenies would have had to dodge conscription.
  • Sissarae27
    🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️
    Let’s just keep making everything about race.
  • Danny 1reland
    Great Podcast
    Insightful and well executed. BBC comes through again with excellent investigative journalism.
  • Kristen.Jokinen
    Couldn’t stop listening
    Well researched, detailed and documented. Couldn’t stop listening! I’m traveling by bicycle through Africa and TB Joshua signs and car decal stickers are still spotted everywhere, which is what brought me to this podcast. (2024)
  • Power18
    Outstanding podcast
    Not to be missed. Excellent, thoughtful production delving into the painful world of a religious cult.
  • rkrhian
    Wild!
    I am so glad I found this podcast. I started listening to season 1 and binged the whole thing! My heart goes out to all of the victims of these monsters. 🙏🏼
  • myszka & mouse
    So good
    Season 1! Binged! So good
  • Nat + jj
    🤯
    Season 1 excellent! Working there in the early aughts hearing the stories I heard in 2007 were allegedly true
  • blindGuyJoe
    Great Work!
    Thanks Charlie, Yemisi, Rae, Aneka, Ajoke, Hannah, Rob for shining the light on the real darkness.,
  • Taidie Bumps
    Excellent
    Podcast very well presented / well done 👍🏼
  • Dria789
    Stumbling
    I am one to get bored easily or find the hosts to sound like they are just reading out loud. This podcasts never does that. I really look forward to the next season put out.
  • jacq51002
    Great investigating
    I love this podcast. Appreciate the lengths you went to bring the whole story to light. Mike and Matthew were monsters. It is terrible what they done to these young men. Thank you to the men who do contribute to this podcast and share their story.
  • jethoth
    Love it but
    why do you air it at 3:30 a.m.? other than that I love it!!
  • lmwood87
    Love
    All the live Big Bro Bear 🫶🫶🫶
  • Luckyduck5432
    Excellent journalism
    So addicting. Such an important story. So well done.
  • juh ade
    Shocking but addicting
    This investigation was so expansive and well done. I’m so glad I heard it. I can not believe this still goes on. Thank you for the cautions. I feel almost protected by hearing and experiencing this excellent documentary series.
  • Bumbsmack
    Great Pod - Keep Up The Great Work!
    Appreciate the professionalism, detail, fairness and focus. Good to see male exploitation being exposed and treated with such concern. Special appreciation for the men who spoke up and told their truth. You matter. You are appreciated.
  • Cuca Girl
    Hard to believe!
    But so true!! Very interesting story that these people went through. Enjoyed the narration and it’s well produced.
  • ArloGuthree
    Investigative Journalism at its Best!
    In an age of increasing corruption of the rich and powerful, this program provides the much needed light for the public to challenge these arrogant and destructive forces. Well researched, documented and professional.
  • Buds
    Powerful
    It’s been a very long time since I’ve been gripped by a podcast but I found myself diving head first into this fascinatingly powerful and terrifying story. Very well done by the BBC!
  • 8888EW
    Powerful and a must listen
    So sad and tragic situation. I hope the story gets out there more and justice is served.
  • RS_CO72
    The chime is so annoying
    I really like the content of this podcast but finally just had to stop listening (and unfollowed) because the chime that is played throughout is so aggravating.
  • Sunflower listener
    Fantastic documentary
    This story is one the world needs to listen to -
  • Austin_Not_Texas
    Excellent Show
    A gripping, well-researched story.
  • Otherlleft
    Spotty journalism
    In the first season Barrett Paul clearly is upset about making some of these choices, but was a consenting adult the entire time. Moreover, Paul seems to think that sex work should be like "Pretty Woman." Paul was well paid and not beaten or given diseases or addictive drugs. That's a win. I too grew up on Long Island and made choices in my 20s that I deeply regret, but I wasn't ever paid. I hope Paul finds closure, and learns to find peace with choices made as an adult. This is titillating and tragic, but there is no crime in season one, and I have to wonder if this is news at all. The second season has a lot going for it, but I'm puzzled how a Nigerian journalist failed to make the connection between the pastor's practices and African traditional religions. There is an important cultural context that was brushed off.
  • Virginia’s
    Very Well Done
    I really enjoyed this series. Kept me interested and entertained on my ride to work! I highly recommend it.
  • Kelinethc
    Great podcast!
    Came across this podcast today and was immediately hooked. I binged season 2. Loved!
  • Vykyna
    Aware
    I love how love how, World of Secrets” unmask people/characters that we deal with on a daily basis. Thus, making us aware of some of the steps sex predators take to get one wrapped up in their web. Thank You to all the investigators and all the reporters that go through a great length and travel to dangerous countries to seek the truth.
  • Emily Manke
    Riveting
    Excellent, compassionate reporting. Thanks!
  • StillWater1
    A + F podcast good but very explicit
    After listening to this podcast, I looked at the Netflix documentary about Abercrombie and Fitch. It does not detail any kind of abuse, but the downfall due to the exclusionary practices. after listening to this podcast, I will never look at any of the billboards, displays and shopping bags and model photos from back in the day without feeling extremely uncomfortable and disgusted.
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