World of Secrets

BBC
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Jun 10, 2025 • 35min

The Killing Call: 1. The death of a star

Sidhu Moose Wala explodes onto the Canadian music scene. His sound is a fusion of two worlds - hip-hop with the poetic language of rural Punjab, where he is from. After years of struggle he’s making it. But with the spotlight comes a dark side. As his fame grows, so do the threats. "We will kill you." 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: Lovepreet Waraich, Malwa TV, BritAsia TV, MPHONE Canteeni Mandeer, GK Digital, Thakur Media, Capital Extra, Famous Punjab TV, ModernSings, Dheeth.jeha, RealRohitBlogs, Mirror Now, India Today.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
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Jun 10, 2025 • 4min

The Killing Call: Trailer

Indian music star Sidhu Moose Wala died in a hail of bullets. Who wanted him dead and why? He was one of India’s biggest stars — a voice millions followed. Then Sidhu Moose Wala was gunned down. This is the hunt for answers over a murder that won’t be forgotten. A two-year long investigation that exposes a tangled web of fame, power and vengeance and uncovers a criminal underworld that reaches far beyond India's borders. 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. Available now.Archive audio credits: BritAsia TV, India Today, 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
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Apr 21, 2025 • 36min

The Six Billion Dollar Gold Scam: 9. The exit strategy

A new witness comes forward with important new evidence over the fate of Bre-X geologist Michael de Guzman. The investigation takes a dramatic turn. Could Suzanne finally be close to finding out what really happened? Did de Guzman take his own life to free himself of the scam, was he murdered or did he hatch an elaborate escape? Since this episode was recorded, John McBeth has sadly passed away. We are very grateful for his contribution to this story.Please note, this episode contains difficult subject matter, including references to suicide and death. It includes some graphic content.The Six Billion Dollar Gold Scam was first published in May 2024.
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Apr 14, 2025 • 40min

The Six Billion Dollar Gold Scam: 8. The fall guy

Did geologist Michael de Guzman really jump to his death from a helicopter? New information on his last day alive comes to light. And Suzanne tracks down details of his autopsy. Were there other forces at work? Was de Guzman’s death collateral in a larger cover up? Since this episode was recorded, John McBeth has sadly passed away. We are very grateful for his contribution to this story.Please note, this episode contains difficult subject matter, including references to suicide, death and descriptions of serious injury, including some graphic content.The Six Billion Dollar Gold Scam was first published in May 2024.
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Apr 7, 2025 • 33min

The Six Billion Dollar Gold Scam: 7. Blame

The hunt to discover who was behind the six billion dollar gold scam begins, and Suzanne brings new information to light on how it was perpetrated. But who was to blame and will anyone be held to account?Please note, this episode contains difficult subject matter, including references to suicide and death.The Six Billion Dollar Gold Scam was first published in May 2024.
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Mar 31, 2025 • 38min

The Six Billion Dollar Gold Scam: 6. The end of the bonanza

Brian Coates, former Vice President of Bre-X, sheds light on the company's chaotic response to the scandal, revealing a web of lies and deception. Andrew Neal, a geologist from Freeport, discusses the shocking discovery of gold sample tampering, which triggered a financial catastrophe. As investors face devastating losses, they explore the grave implications for pension funds and the ethical dilemmas within the mining industry. The conversation reveals the dark side of ambition and the critical need for trust in corporate practices.
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Mar 24, 2025 • 25min

The Six Billion Dollar Gold Scam: 5. Waiting for Michael

Michael de Guzman, a key geologist in the Bre-X scandal, is highlighted as he grapples with the disastrous collapse of the gold discovery. The podcast delves into his lavish but troubled last night, showcasing the pressure mounting around him. Tensions rise as his colleagues anxiously await his arrival, unaware of the tragedy unfolding. The chaos following his tragic fall from a helicopter adds an emotional layer to the ongoing gold scam, revealing how greed and ambition led to a profound personal and financial crisis.
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Mar 17, 2025 • 30min

The Six Billion Dollar Gold Scam: 4. Prospector of the year

In this gripping discussion, geologists Joe McPherson and Dave Potter share their firsthand experiences from the infamous Bre-X gold scandal. Joe reveals the shocking events that unfolded in the jungle, including a suspicious break-in that hinted at fraud. Dave highlights critical tensions at a high-stakes convention where the truth about a missing gold deposit sent waves of anxiety. Together, they uncover how excitement shifted to distrust as the facade of a billion-dollar gold mine began to crumble, revealing the dark side of the mining industry.
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Mar 10, 2025 • 45min

The Six Billion Dollar Gold Scam: 3. The battle for Busang

Guest John Felderhoff, a key figure in the Bre-X mining company, dives into the chaotic gold rush at Busang. He reveals the cutthroat competition between Bre-X and major players like Barrick Gold, highlighting the tense political landscape in Indonesia. The battle for dominance turns personal as familial feuds among the Suharto family complicate matters. As corporate spies gather intel, Felderhoff discusses how powerful rivals and a web of deceit escalate the stakes in this high-stakes game, turning it into a modern-day David vs. Goliath saga.
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Mar 3, 2025 • 44min

The Six Billion Dollar Gold Scam: 2. The believers

Warren Irwin, a hedge fund manager known for his deep dive into the Bre-X gold scam, shares intriguing insights from his investigations. He recounts the frenzy that swept the small town of St. Paul, where residents were torn between chasing riches and the reality of their investments. Irwin discusses the growing skepticism amidst rampant misinformation online and the chaotic atmosphere surrounding the scam. He also highlights a gripping conversation that shook the confidence of key players, bringing to light the rising tensions over trust and integrity in the gold rush.

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