The Six Billion Dollar Gold Scam
BBC & CBC
It was the biggest gold discovery in history…until it wasn’t. In 1995, Canadian mining company Bre-X announced to the world it had found a significant amount of gold deep in the jungles of Indonesia. Stock prices soared as investors worldwide fought to stake their claim. But when Bre-X’s chief geologist mysteriously fell from a helicopter over the jungle, the story of the billion dollar discovery began to unravel. Nearly three decades later, no one has ever been held accountable. Now, host Suzanne Wilton takes listeners from the jungles of Indonesia to small town Alberta, Canada, to investigate what really happened and find out more about the man behind the biggest goldmine fraud of all time. Produced for the BBC World Service and CBC by BBC Scotland Productions.Please note, this series contains references to suicide and has some graphic content.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 14, 2024 • 36min
9. The exit strategy
A new witness provides crucial evidence regarding the fate of Bre-X geologist Michael de Guzman. The investigation takes a dramatic turn as they uncover the possibility of an elaborate escape. The episode contains difficult subject matter including references to suicide and death. Discussions delve into the mysterious circumstances surrounding de Guzman's disappearance, potential faked death scenarios, and alleged sightings of de Guzman in different countries.
Jul 7, 2024 • 40min
8. The fall guy
The podcast explores the mysterious circumstances surrounding geologist Michael de Guzman's death, raising questions about foul play and potential cover-ups. It delves into conflicting narratives, suspicious suicide notes, and the possibility of murder. Additionally, the episode reveals new information about the helicopter pilot's behavior and the challenges in identifying the body. The family's pursuit of justice and theories of De Guzman faking his demise add to the intrigue, along with revelations of suspicious cargo and surprising revelations from De Guzman's wife.
Jun 30, 2024 • 33min
7. Blame
Explore the aftermath of the Brix scandal and legal challenges faced by executives. Uncover the intricacies of the gold scam and adulting tips. Delve into the impacts of the Brix scam trial and suspicious investigations. Learn about the rise of the gold scam in the Philippines and the aftermath of key figures' deaths.
Jun 23, 2024 • 37min
6. The end of the bonanza
A gold scam of epic proportions unravels, investors facing massive losses, pension funds at risk. Investigations surrounding De Guzman's death, fraudulent practices in gold sampling, tensions with Canadian ambassador, and the devastating impact of Brix's scam on investors and employees.
Jun 16, 2024 • 24min
5. Waiting for Michael
The podcast explores the mysterious disappearance of geologist Michael de Guzman, his lavish lifestyle in Toronto, and his tragic death. It uncovers the aftermath of his fatal fall from a helicopter and the impact on those involved. The episode delves into the greed and deception behind the $6 billion gold scam, shedding light on key players and their roles in the scandal.
Jun 9, 2024 • 30min
4. Prospector of the year
Exploring a billion-dollar gold mine dream shattered by shocking discoveries at an Indonesian site. Break-ins, missing samples, and suspicions lead to tense revelations at a mining industry convention. Intriguing story unraveling mysteries, secret deals, and escalating drama among investors.
Jun 2, 2024 • 45min
3. The battle for Busang
Powerful players enter the fight for Indonesian gold in Busang, challenging small company Bre-X. Intense competition, political intrigue, and suspicious disappearances unravel a six billion dollar secret.
May 26, 2024 • 44min
2. The believers
Exploring the gold fever surrounding the massive Bre-X discovery, a small Canadian town swept up in the rush, a hedge fund manager's pursuit to uncover the truth at the Indonesia gold site, and the intrigue of a potential gold scam unraveling amidst doubts and pressure.
May 19, 2024 • 40min
1. The fall
Geologist Michael de Guzman's mysterious fall from a helicopter in the Indonesian jungle sparks wild speculations. The significant gold discovery at Busang site and the rise of Brix Minerals in Jakarta create a gold fever among investors. The podcast delves into the lavish lifestyles, business negotiations, and doubts surrounding the monumental gold discovery.
Apr 30, 2024 • 3min
Introducing The Six Billion Dollar Gold Scam
Exploring the biggest gold mine fraud in Borneo, revealing the devastation caused by a Canadian mining company, investigating the mysterious death of a geologist, and seeking justice for the victims
