Hot Money: Agent of Chaos
Pushkin Industries & Financial Times
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?
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?
Episodes
Mentioned books
18 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 25min
China’s Race to Dominate: Listen to Global Tech Wars
James Kynge, a veteran journalist with the Financial Times and author of 'Global Tech Wars: China’s Race to Dominate,' discusses China's rapid technological advancement. He highlights how Shenzhen has transformed from a manufacturing hub to a leader in tech innovation, showcasing companies like Tencent and DJI. Kynge delves into the geopolitical implications of this shift, comparing China’s collective, innovation-driven approach to the more individualistic strategies of the West. He emphasizes the competitive landscape of global tech and its future impact.
29 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 28min
Sam Jones on Jan Marsalek's Secret Life | SpyCast Interview
Dive into the enigmatic life of Jan Marsalek, a figure shrouded in mystery and espionage. Discover the explosive Wirecard fraud scandal that shook the finance world, where journalists faced intense surveillance. Explore Marsalek's ties to Russian intelligence and high-stakes operations in Libya, merging humanitarian claims with geopolitical ambition. Unravel his connections with the notorious Wagner Group and the dark underbelly of arms trafficking. This thrilling tale reveals the complex weave of deception that surrounds both Marsalek and international finance.
39 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.
42 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.
41 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
