Criminal
Moon Rocks Wanted
Jan 10, 2025
Joe Gutheinz, a former special agent at NASA's Office of Inspector General, shares captivating stories from Operation Lunar Eclipse. He recounts a quirky ad seeking moon rocks that led to an undercover sting operation. Gutheinz reveals the allure of counterfeit lunar treasures and the surprising experiences he had while investigating their authenticity. He also discusses the legal battles surrounding stolen moon rocks, offering listeners a glimpse into the complexities of space memorabilia and the fascinating history of the Apollo missions.
37:37
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Quick takeaways
- Joe Gutheinz's investigations revealed significant security challenges at NASA, particularly in protecting against fraud involving valuable moon rocks.
- The podcast illustrates how the allure of moon rocks created a black market for counterfeit operations shortly after the Apollo missions.
Deep dives
The Role of NASA's Inspector General
Joe Goodhines served as a special agent at NASA’s Office of Inspector General, where he explored various crimes involving the agency, including fraud and impersonation cases. While working at the Kennedy Space Center, he encountered unusual incidents such as individuals attempting to sell fake moon rocks to unsuspecting buyers. One notable case involved a man who claimed to be an astronaut and submitted a fabricated resume that included false CIA connections. Goodhines’ investigations not only uncovered fraud but highlighted the security challenges NASA faced in protecting its valuable artifacts.
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