World of Secrets

An insider reveals shocking truths about an illegal prostitution ring, detailing how young women were recruited and trapped. Listen as they describe the transformation of a glamorous Dubai into a site of exploitation. The discussion dives into the manipulative tactics used to keep the girls in line, including coercion and abuse. Personal accounts from former members shed light on the dark underbelly of nightlife and the human trafficking network, raising questions about law enforcement and the fate of those caught in this web.

Kira and Mia, former residents of Dubai, share harrowing tales of their entrapment in a prostitution ring run by a powerful pimp known as Abhi. They recount their initial excitement upon arriving in Dubai, only to be met with violence and manipulation. Monica, a friend, fiercely resisted Abhi's control but tragically lost her life. The chilling implications of her death linger, revealing a pattern of exploitation and fear. As Kira and Mia bravely expose these dark truths, they seek justice not just for Monica but for all the victims trapped in this system.

Monic’s relative heads to the UAE, like her, in pursuit of a dream. But soon after, news of her death shatters everything. Devastated and distrusting of the police’s account, Michael takes the search for truth into his own hands leading to a dramatic confrontation. This episode contains strong language. Presented by investigative journalist Runako Celina.Season 9 of World of Secrets, Death in Dubai, is a BBC Eye investigation, produced in association with Thread Studios, for the BBC World Service. Please note, the image is being used for illustrative purposes only and the person depicted in it is a model.If you feel distressed by the references in this story, please speak to a health professional, or an organisation that offers support such as Befrienders Worldwide. www.befrienders.org For UK listeners, details of organisations offering information about or support after sexual abuse, or with feelings of despair, are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline. Here’s a link to the BBC Eye documentary film, which we recommend you watch after listening to this podcast: https://bit.ly/bbcdeathindubai If you are in the UK, you can watch on iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/n12t256jg

Monic dreams of leaving her home in rural Uganda for a different life. So when a “friend” promises her a job in Dubai, it feels like the chance she’s been waiting for. Monic is elated, she is the first of her 11 siblings to travel abroad. But just a few months later she is dead. Her family is left searching for answers. What happened in Dubai? A warning that this podcast includes disturbing scenes, including discussion of sexual abuse and suicide. Some episodes also contain strong language. Presented by investigative journalist Runako Celina.Season 9 of World of Secrets, Death in Dubai, is a BBC Eye investigation, produced in association with Thread Studios, for the BBC World Service.Please note, the image is being used for illustrative purposes only and the person depicted in it is a model.If you feel distressed by the references in this story, please speak to a health professional, or an organisation that offers support such as Befrienders Worldwide. www.befrienders.org For UK listeners, details of organisations offering information about or support after sexual abuse, or with feelings of despair, are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline. Here’s a link to the BBC Eye documentary film, which we recommend you watch after listening to this podcast: https://bit.ly/bbcdeathindubaiIf you are in the UK, you can watch on iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/n12t256jg

A tragic incident shakes the glamorous facade of Dubai as a woman falls from a tower block, sparking worldwide speculation. The viral video leads to disturbing accusations and highlights the dark side of the city's allure. Delving into the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, it uncovers a chilling reality behind the glitz of social media, intertwining themes of desire, despair, and the harsh truths many face. The podcast tackles heavy topics, including sexual abuse and mental health, challenging listeners to confront uncomfortable truths.

Ben Zhou, CEO and co-founder of Bybit, discusses the staggering $1.5 billion hack that targeted his cryptocurrency exchange. Alongside him is Chris Wong, a former FBI agent specializing in North Korean cybercrime, who delves into the Lazarus Group's sophisticated tactics. They explore the implications of this theft for global cybersecurity and the relationship between digital crime and North Korea's military ambitions. The episode also highlights the potential geopolitical fallout from North Korea's growing cyber warfare capabilities.

Sidhu predicted he would die young and by the bullet. Sidhu’s song The Last Ride plays like a premonition. In his final days the death threats intensify and Sidhu is increasingly isolated. We find out who benefited from his murder and how it’s changed Punjab - making it a more dangerous place. Can we finally get answers to why Sidhu was killed? Presented by broadcaster and DJ Bobby Friction and investigative journalist Ishleen Kaur.Season 8 of World of Secrets, The Killing Call, is a BBC Eye investigation for the BBC World Service. Archive audio credits: First India News, India Today, CBC, CPAC, Al Jazeera, WION, Republic World.Here’s a link to the BBC Eye two-part documentary films, which we recommend you watch after listening to this podcast: https://bit.ly/thekillingcall If you are in the UK, you can watch on iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002f18y

Back home, Sidhu starts delving into Punjab’s violent past and singing about its place in modern India. He joins mass demonstrations which rock Delhi and writes a protest anthem for the movement. The death threats continue. And we find out that Sidhu is making friends with dangerous people. Presented by broadcaster and DJ Bobby Friction and investigative journalist Ishleen Kaur.Season 8 of World of Secrets, The Killing Call, is a BBC Eye investigation for the BBC World Service. Archive audio credits: Sidhu Moose Wala, Jhonty Dhillon, Ritesh Lakhi, Times Now.Here’s a link to the BBC Eye two-part documentary films, which we recommend you watch after listening to this podcast: https://bit.ly/thekillingcall If you are in the UK, you can watch on iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002f18y

Thousands from across India crowd the streets for Sidhu Moose Wala’s funeral, to grieve one of Punjab’s famous sons. Millions more watch. Flowers are thrown at the coffin, pulled by his favourite tractor. Amongst the grief are anger and unanswered questions– why was he not better protected? And we find out more about the world he was caught up in. Presented by broadcaster and DJ Bobby Friction and investigative journalist Ishleen Kaur.Season 8 of World of Secrets, The Killing Call, is a BBC Eye investigation for the BBC World Service. Archive audio credits: NDTV, India Today, Pun Yaab, Lovepreet Waraich, BritAsiaTV, CBC, CTV, WIONHere’s a link to the BBC Eye two-part documentary films, which we recommend you watch after listening to this podcast: https://bit.ly/thekillingcall If you are in the UK, you can watch on iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002f18y

Have you heard? Sidhu Moose Wala is dead. Social media is on fire across India – fans feel like they have lost a family member, the grief is overwhelming. The lyrics of his song The Last Ride sound like a deadly prophecy. Did Sidhu know danger was closing in? Then just hours after the killing there’s a shocking claim. Presented by broadcaster and DJ Bobby Friction and investigative journalist Ishleen Kaur.Season 8 of World of Secrets, The Killing Call, is a BBC Eye investigation for the BBC World Service. Archive audio credits: India Today, Times Now, Dunya News, NDTV, CTV, Bijender SharmaHere’s a link to the BBC Eye two-part documentary films, which we recommend you watch after listening to this podcast: https://bit.ly/thekillingcall If you are in the UK, you can watch on iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002f18y