Swindled

A journalist's murder becomes the focal point of a chilling narrative, revealing the dark side of political corruption in Las Vegas. The life and mysterious death of casino heir Ted Binion set the stage for a gripping story of power, crime, and accountability. The fallout from a contentious election campaign leads to the shocking demise of investigative reporter Jeff German, raising questions about the dangers faced by those who seek truth. The chilling details of the case unfold, revealing a web of deceit and the enduring legacy of journalistic integrity.

Originally published April 30, 2023. A series of infomercials lands a TV pitchman in federal prison. Prelude: The founder of Hooked on Phonics is criticized over dubious advertising claims before he settles a sexual assault lawsuit with his corporate attorney, who then purchases a ranch from a phony French noblewoman who faked her own death. –––-–---------------------------------------- BECOME A VALUEDLISTENER™ ⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ ⁠Patreon⁠ –––-–---------------------------------------- DONATE: ⁠SwindledPodcast.com/Support⁠ CONSUME: ⁠SwindledPodcast.com/Shop⁠ WATCH: ⁠SwindledVideo.com⁠ –––-–---------------------------------------- MUSIC: ⁠Deformr⁠ –––-–---------------------------------------- FOLLOW: ⁠SwindledPodcast.com⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Twitter.com⁠ ⁠TikTok⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ Thanks for listening. :-) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An American automotive company is charged with reckless homicide related to the defective design of a popular car.Prelude: Toyota is held responsible for the ghastly deaths of three sisters.–––-–----------------------------------------BECOME A VALUEDLISTENER™SpotifyPatreonApple Podcasts–––-–----------------------------------------DONATE: SwindledPodcast.com/SupportCONSUME: SwindledPodcast.com/ShopWATCH: SwindledVideo.com–––-–----------------------------------------MUSIC: Deformr–––-–----------------------------------------FOLLOW: SwindledPodcast.com Instagram Twitter.com TikTok Facebook Thanks for listening. :-) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Explore the dramatic rise and fall of a fintech startup founder accused of defrauding JPMorgan Chase to secure a massive acquisition deal. Discover how misleading data and unethical practices led to her downfall and the legal fallout that ensued. The episode delves into the broader implications for the startup world, touching on the challenges female entrepreneurs face and questionable ethics in the pursuit of success. Through engaging narratives, it unpacks both the ambition and the perils of the financial technology landscape.

A viral video sparks accusations of charity fraud and other improprieties while exposing a potentially much darker truth.Prelude: Efforts to neutralize a brutal warlord in central Africa are unsuccessful.–––-–----------------------------------------BECOME A VALUEDLISTENER™SpotifyPatreonApple Podcasts–––-–----------------------------------------DONATE: SwindledPodcast.com/SupportCONSUME: SwindledPodcast.com/ShopWATCH: SwindledVideo.com–––-–----------------------------------------MUSIC: Deformr–––-–----------------------------------------FOLLOW: SwindledPodcast.com Instagram Twitter.com TikTok Facebook Thanks for listening. :-) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, reveals a dark tale of corporate greed and environmental disaster. The chaos post-incident raises urgent questions about safety and trust, as affected residents face health risks from toxic leaks. Community resilience shines through as they navigate misinformation and legal battles, demanding transparency. Meanwhile, Norfolk Southern's profit-driven practices come under fire, showcasing a troubling disconnect between success and safety concerns. As the town reflects on a year of recovery, the quest for better regulations remains critical.

Discover the gripping tale of a notorious fraudster from the Pacific Northwest, often dubbed a 'mini Madoff.' This story reveals how Darren Berg orchestrated a staggering $140 million Ponzi scheme, leaving over 500 investors devastated. Dive into the ethical dilemmas surrounding controversial investment practices in real estate, and learn about the psychological allure of charismatic con artists. The episode also examines Berg's dramatic legal journey, from early entrepreneurial missteps to his audacious escape from a minimum-security prison.

An experimental deep-sea submersible disappears during an expedition to the Titanic shipwreck. Prelude: Legendary explorer Steve Fossett disappears during a casual plane ride.–––-–----------------------------------------BECOME A VALUEDLISTENER™SpotifyApple PodcastsPatreon–––-–----------------------------------------DONATE: SwindledPodcast.com/SupportCONSUME: SwindledPodcast.com/ShopWATCH: SwindledVideo.com–––-–----------------------------------------MUSIC: Deformr–––-–----------------------------------------FOLLOW: SwindledPodcast.com Instagram Twitter.com TikTok Facebook Thanks for listening. :-) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A weight-loss drug, Belviq, faces withdrawal due to cancer risks, highlighting the dark side of diet drugs. The tumultuous history of weight-loss trends reveals dangers from past treatments like Fen-Phen. Personal stories, including Mary’s health struggles and a complex legal saga for victims, unveil corporate negligence. The fallout continues with legal battles against unscrupulous attorneys profiting from the suffering. Many victims voice their dissatisfaction over unmet promises and financial obligations, as they navigate their ongoing health crises.

Joel Morehu-Barlow, a government employee turned con artist, infamously posed as a Tahitian prince and executed the largest public sector fraud in Queensland history. He embezzled over $16 million, exploiting a disastrous payroll system rollout. The discussion unveils his double life and the investigation that followed, balancing the serious effects of his actions with unexpected humor. Barlow's journey through incarceration and the psychological factors behind his fraud offer a gripping tale of crime, deception, and ultimately, redemption.