

649 - The Mickelberg Affair - live w/Xavier Michelides
Sep 3, 2024
Xavier Michelides, a lively comedian from Perth, joins in for a humorous exploration of the bizarre Mickelberg Affair. They dive into the chaotic escapades of the Mickelberg family launching an aerial safari, mixed with sidesplitting tales of absurd gold smuggling antics. From questionable mint transactions to the curious legal troubles facing the brothers, the discussion blends comedy with the madness of the Australian gold rush. Prepare for laughter as they navigate the ridiculous twists and turns of this wild true crime saga!
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The Fake Gold Nugget Stunt
- The Mickelberg brothers staged a publicity stunt with a fake large gold nugget called the Yellow Rose of Texas.
- Their mother Peggy held the nugget in disguise, which was featured in the media to promote their aerial safari business.
Perth Mint's Lax Gold Controls
- The Perth Mint operated with poor oversight, allowing gold transactions based on minimal ID.
- This lax system enabled fraudulent orders and money laundering through the Mint.
Courier Leaves Gold Unattended
- A courier delivered gold to the airport and left it unsecured on the tarmac as instructed, raising suspicion.
- The courier felt uneasy but complied due to financial need, evidencing lack of protocol in the operation.