
Hot Money: Agent of Chaos
In 2020, the Financial Times exposed a €2 billion fraud at Wirecard, a high-flying German fintech. Many thought that was the end of the story. But for reporter Sam Jones, it was just the beginning.
This season on Hot Money: Agent of Chaos, Jones investigates Wirecard’s chief operating officer, who vanished just as Wirecard collapsed. And turned out to also be a Russian spy.
From an Ibizan sting operation to an attempted takeover of the Austrian intelligence service, his reporting spirals into a world of warlords, espionage, and disinformation.
All in an attempt to answer one question: Who is the real Jan Marsalek? And what does his secret life reveal about the powerful forces he serves?
Latest episodes

10 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.

33 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.

16 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.

31 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.

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.

9 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.

17 snips
Dec 21, 2023 • 35min
Episode 7 - Against the Ropes
The podcast covers the rise of Daniel Kinahan in boxing and his involvement in drug trafficking, the deep liquidity of black market brokers, uncovering financial practices of an MTK boxing company linked to organized crime, cracking down on European criminals in Ireland, the connection between the Kinehans and the Super Cartel with potential ties to international terrorism and Iran, and the importance of small businesses in driving economic growth.

15 snips
Dec 19, 2023 • 33min
Episode 6 - Ties with Tehran
An undercover operation in New York connects with Tehran, discussing drug trafficking, money laundering, and purchasing high-end military equipment. The podcast also explores a notorious cocaine deal in Panama, the impact of Western sanctions on Iran's access to the global financial system, and the challenges faced by small business owners.

9 snips
Dec 14, 2023 • 25min
Episode 5 - Nerds vs Narcos
Dutch police investigate murder case. Journalist confronts criminals. Encrypted phones disrupt drug trafficking. Cracking encryption reveals organized crime secrets. Multiple contract killing groups and threats. Investigator uncovers cartel links.

13 snips
Dec 12, 2023 • 34min
Episode 4 - Gangster's Paradise
Explore the audacious moves of fugitive Raphael A. Imperialé, the rise of the Super Cartel led by Kianahan's and Imperiale, the complicated relationship between Tyson Fury and Daniel Kinahan, and the arrest of Kinahan during his wedding in Dubai. Teasing the next episode with a code that could take down the Super Cartel and advertisements for Miko Minnie and Cheap Caribbean.