Hot Money: Agent of Chaos

Pushkin Industries & Financial Times
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29 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 39min

Episode 8: Matryoshka

The finale dives deep into the shadowy world of Jan Marsalek. Discover his complex links to Russian espionage and the political intrigue surrounding his life. A Kremlin analyst's insights reveal contrasting strategies between Russian and Western intelligence. Delve into Marsalek's identity struggles post-escape and a hidden network's clandestine operations affecting international politics. The discussion weaves through personal freedom amid state constraints, while chaos in the world mirrors a turbulent video game we all navigate.
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36 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 37min

Episode 7: From Russia With Love

A gripping trial unfolds in the UK as operatives linked to espionage face justice, revealing chaotic inner workings through a treasure trove of texts. The tensions of a fugitive's life are laced with dark humor and personal bonds, while a neglected town hides darker secrets amidst a police operation. Espionage takes center stage with a dramatic raid on a supposed IT repairman, exposing an intricate web of deceit. In Kazakhstan, disinformation tactics threaten political stability, shining a light on the moral hazards of modern intelligence.
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35 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 39min

Episode 6: Maestro

Back in Vienna, an undercover investigation exposes a shocking plot threatening Austria's intelligence agency. A disguise leads to an attempt at accessing sensitive information, sparking discussions on foreign infiltration and political machinations. Amid a chaos-filled scandal, seasoned leaders struggle under intense scrutiny while international relations hang in the balance. Tensions rise further as corruption within the agency unravels, revealing complex ties to Russian interests and a web of betrayal that could endanger national security.
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72 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 37min

Episode 5: A Different Set of Rules

Boris Volodarsky, a historian specializing in Cold War spying and former Russian intelligence officer, offers a thrilling insider look into the world of espionage. He delves into the recruitment process of spies and what makes individuals vulnerable to manipulation. The discussion highlights the luxurious yet treacherous backdrop of Monaco, framed through Jan Marsalek's rise and fall. With tales of training and personal narratives, Boris reveals the complex dynamics of loyalty and ambition within the clandestine world of intelligence.
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83 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 44min

Episode 4: Backbearings

Mr. Samt is a high-level PR consultant known for helping firms in crisis, including Wirecard in 2019. He joins Martin Osterloh, a former Wirecard colleague, to delve into the enigmatic life of Jan Marsalek. They explore Marsalek’s unusual habits, his charisma, and the strange legacy he left behind. The discussion reveals personal anecdotes from childhood friends and colleagues, highlighting the contradictions in Marsalek's character and the profound impact of his dual life on those around him.
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92 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 44min

Episode 3: Thrill Seeking

In this gripping conversation, Kilian Kleinschmidt, a former UN official with a unique perspective from his time across Africa, reveals how he became entangled in one of Jan Marsalek's intriguing schemes. He discusses the ethical dilemmas faced while operating in war-torn regions, and shares harrowing anecdotes from his humanitarian work. The podcast highlights the clash between ambition and morality, revealing the hidden layers of power and deception in global crises, all while offering a glimpse into life on society's fringes.
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36 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 41min

Episode 2: The Friendship Society

In Vienna, a political bombshell erupts as a scandal involving the far right and Russia destabilizes the Austrian government. A thrilling pursuit unfolds in Ibiza to secure a rare champagne, reflecting the pressures of high society. Amidst this, a private investigator and journalist dive into a web of corruption linked to Jan Marsalek. The emotional toll of secrets complicates political alliances while personal narratives from the Syrian frontlines highlight the human costs of geopolitical turmoil. Tension and intrigue run high in this complex political landscape.
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62 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 38min

Episode 1: The Bribe

Paul Murphy, head of investigations at the Financial Times, shares chilling insights into his work on the Wirecard scandal. He recounts a nerve-wracking experience of meeting Jan Marsalek while wearing a wire, navigating a world filled with deceit and danger. Their lunch reveals not just offer of bribes but also the intricate connections between corporate fraud and geopolitical corruption, linking back to shocking events like the Salisbury poisonings. As personal safety clashes with professional duty, Murphy sheds light on the high-stakes game of investigative journalism.
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5 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 4min

Introducing Hot Money Season 3: Agent of Chaos

Dive into the mysterious life of Jan Marsalek, a charismatic financial figure entangled in a web of deceit and espionage. Discover the stark contrast between his public persona and the shadowy dealings that define his legacy. Explore a captivating world filled with warlords and disinformation, revealing how charm can hide chaos. Join the investigation as Sam Jones unravels the complexities of a man who lived a dual life.
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16 snips
Dec 26, 2023 • 33min

Episode 8 - The Red Notebook

Law enforcement cuts off the Kinahan cartel; a red notebook might reveal who killed the electrician; state-backed gangsters and connections to the Dubai Super Cartel; the transformation of the M-E-K; Asadi's involvement in bomb plots and assassinations in Europe; small business success stories and a boyband reunion; sanctions on Kinehans Transnational Crime Organization; defending democracy and the story of the Kinahan Family.

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