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
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.
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.
25 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.
28 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.
25 snips
Dec 7, 2023 • 36min
Episode 3 - Sun, Guns & Sangria
Arrest of Christy Kinahan in Spain, international operation to take down Kinahan crime group, investigative journalism on the Kinehans, Daniel's dual life, Dublin assassination attempt, and discussion on sports betting and financial decision-making.
19 snips
Dec 5, 2023 • 31min
Episode 2 - Cocaine CEO
An enterprising Dublin drug dealer takes advantage of a criminal economy revolution in Europe. A detective goes undercover to combat the heroin problem in 1970s Dublin. A sting operation leads to the powerful Dubai Super Cartel. The rise of cocaine in Europe and the role of organized crime are analyzed. The inspiring story of the co-founders of Girls Who Do Interiors, a Miami-based design company, is discussed.
27 snips
Dec 5, 2023 • 30min
Episode 1 - Murder Brokers
A Dutch crime reporter uncovers an international assassination plot and the connection between criminal organizations and multinational companies. The investigation explores the possibility of illegal electricity use and the personal histories of individuals involved. The podcast delves into the life of a notorious figure in the Amsterdam crime scene and raises questions about state-sponsored assassination and links to Iran.
Nov 21, 2023 • 3min
Introducing Hot Money: The New Narcos
A murder in Amsterdam leads to a cocaine super cartel and a secret proxy war between democracies and dictatorships. Investigative reporter Miles Johnson discusses the challenges of reporting on the global black market and introduces the Dubai Super Cartel.
