Scam Inc from The Economist

In this engaging series, listeners explore the rarity of good bosses and the essential management skills that can be learned. Key topics include innovation, crisis management, and negotiation strategies. Featuring insights from leaders of top companies like Levi's and Google, the content aims to equip aspiring managers with practical tools for effective leadership. Each week promises fresh perspectives that inspire and challenge the norms of management.

Jackie Burns-Coven, a cyber threat researcher at Chainalysis, brings her expertise in tracking financial flows in scam operations. She shares chilling insights into the lavish lifestyles of scammers in Myanmar and the stark realities of trafficking victims. The discussion highlights the sophisticated networks behind scams, showcasing their similarities to legitimate businesses. Jackie emphasizes the importance of financial literacy in combating fraud and reveals the challenges in uncovering scam dynamics and cryptocurrency laundering.

In this discussion, Jalil Mouyeke, a Ugandan who was lured to Thailand under the promise of a job, reveals the harrowing truth behind his experience in a scam operation. He shares gripping insights about the seductive nature of seemingly legitimate job offers that mask exploitation. The chilling realities of scam environments are laid bare, detailing oppressive conditions and the emotional toll on victims. Jalil's personal journey emphasizes the vulnerabilities that lead individuals into dangerous situations, making for a compelling narrative about trust and deception.

Jim Tucker, a Kansas farmer and board member of Heartland Tri-State Bank, shares his story of a small-town community shaken by a major scam. He details the alarming downfall of the bank after a staggering $47.1 million was misappropriated in a cryptocurrency scheme. The discussion reveals the emotional and financial devastation caused by pig butchering scams, emphasizing how vulnerability in a seemingly safe environment can lead even the strongest individuals to fall prey to deception.

A sophisticated, predatory, multi-billion dollar industry is emerging from the shadows. It already rivals the size of the illicit drug trade. And it’s about to get bigger and much more powerful. The Economist’s Sue-Lin Wong follows a trail that starts with the collapse of a bank in rural Kansas to uncover a global, underground scam economy built around human trafficking, corruption and money laundering. Can it be stopped?To listen to the full series subscribe to Economist Podcasts+.