FT News Briefing Hot Money: Agent of Chaos - Ep. 1, The Bribe
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Jun 14, 2025 
Paul Murphy, Head of Investigations at the Financial Times, dives into the shocking disappearance of Jan Marsalek, Wirecard’s COO, who turned out to be a Russian spy. The podcast reveals intense undercover meetings filled with threats and bribes as journalists pursue the truth. Topics range from espionage and corporate fraud to geopolitical tensions, spotlighting dangerous ties between power and corruption. Through riveting storytelling, it uncovers Marsalek’s secret life and the high-stakes world of misinformation that surrounds him.
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Undercover Lunch with Marsalek
- Paul Murphy, head of FT Investigations, nervously wore a hidden microphone to lunch with Jan Marsalek.
- This was Paul’s first time wearing a wire as he tried to trap Marsalek on tape.
Journalism: Get Out and Lunch
- Journalists must get out of the office and meet sources in person to build trust.
- Paul Murphy advises using social settings like lunches to develop relationships and gain information.
Wirecard's Massive Fraud
- Wirecard was wildly successful externally but was actually a criminal enterprise.
- Marsalek led aggressive surveillance against FT reporters Paul Murphy and Dan McCrum investigating Wirecard.