Crime World Episode 1242: Queen of the Con - How 'Irish heiress' Marianne Smyth swindled €133k from victims
Oct 27, 2025
Join Johnathan Walton, an LA-based producer and investigative podcaster, as he delves into the twisted tale of Marianne Smyth, the 'Queen of the Con.' Johnathan reveals how he helped track Smyth across the globe, uncovering her scams that conned friends out of over €133k. He shares insights on her chilling courtroom demeanor and the seven-year extradition saga. Listeners learn about the red flags of con artists, including love bombing and multi-scam strategies, helping everyone spot and avoid similar traps.
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Mortgage Adviser Scams That Destroyed Lives
- Marianne Smyth posed as a mortgage adviser in Northern Ireland and stole around £100,000 from clients and friends between 2008–2010.
- Victims included a mother who lost her house and people who believed they were buying investment property or receiving rental income.
How She Reached Northern Ireland And Fled
- Marianne arrived in Northern Ireland around 2002 after marrying a local man she met online and then moved into mortgage work where she began stealing money.
- She fled rapidly in 2009 when police inquiries began and left behind a house, belongings and 17 greyhounds that were euthanized.
Don't Be Lured By Small Early Returns
- Watch for 'beak wetting' where scammers pay small returns to build trust and lure larger sums.
- Treat early repayments as a warning sign rather than proof of legitimacy.
