Skip to content
Artwork for Whale Hunting
Society & CultureNewsNews CommentaryTrue Crime

Whale Hunting

Brazen

This is WHALE HUNTING, a weekly podcast that pulls back the curtain on the hidden worlds of money and power, hosted by investigative journalists Tom Wright and Bradley Hope. Previously long-time reporters for the Wall Street Journal, Tom and Bradley now run Project Brazen, a journalism studio that’s published stories on everything from US Navy corruption to spycraft in Silicon Valley and embezzlement at the heart of Spain’s royal family. 

Now, on the Whale Hunting podcast, you can join them as they share what’s got them talking this week, from the headlines to underworld gossip. Each episode will offer something different, but you can expect obscene tales of corruption, insights on the bizarre habits of billionaires, and conversations with reporters, spies, hostage negotiators, cops, authors, and the occasional criminal. Think of it as dropping in on the watercooler chat at Project Brazen’s office. 

So join us. Subscribe to Whale Hunting, and find out how the world really works. 

For more, or to sign up to our newsletter, visit whalehunting.projectbrazen.com.

Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://brazen.fm/plus/

Play
  • 20 episodes
  • Avg 37 min
  • English
  • April 24 · 53 min

    The Man Stealing Billions of Dollars from the US Economy, Mauerberger's Spiderweb

    This episode of Whale Hunting explores the intricate web of illicit activities surrounding Benjamin Mauerberger, a South African involved in high-stakes financial crimes across Asia. Hosted by Journalists Bradley Hope and Tom Wright, the discussion delves into money laundering, scam industries, and geopolitical implications. Key Topics Benjamin Malberger's background and rise in illicit finance The role of scam centers and crypto in money laundering Connections between criminal networks and political figures in Asia The use of luxury assets and real estate for money laundering International efforts and challenges in tracking illicit financial flows Episode Breakdown 00:00 Introduction to Benjamin Mauerberger and his criminal network 01:48 The origins of Mauerberger and his early career in boiler rooms 04:04 Red flags: Excessive spending and anonymous identities 06:35 The meeting with Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra 08:53 Malberger's connections to Cambodia and illicit asset purchases 10:55 The rise of scam industries and crypto laundering during COVID-19 13:14 The structure of Asian scam centers and organized crime 17:02 Malberger as a money laundering officer for Asian crime groups 19:58 State capture and political corruption in Thailand and Cambodia 22:15 The assets, investments, and global reach of Mauerberger 29:48 Legal challenges, investigations, and the future of Mauerberger 34:01 The impact of journalism and investigative efforts 41:41 Mauerberger's current whereabouts and ongoing investigations Keywords Money Laundering, Scams, Asia Crime Networks, Benjamin Mauerberger, Financial Crime, Investigative Journalism, Geopolitics, Asset Seizures, Thailand, Dubai Follow the investigation updates at whalehunting.projectbrazen.com To stay informed about geopolitical developments affecting illicit finance Share tips or information via hello@projectbrazen.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://brazen.fm/plus/

  • S3 · E14
    Dec 4, 2024 · 40 min

    Why does Elon Musk need private spies?

    One billionaire’s desire to control everything, and the private intelligence industry that offers to fulfil his dreams.

  • S3 · E8
    Oct 23, 2024 · 35 min

    How do you stop Putin’s war machine?

    From seizing superyachts to freezing assets, the West are engaged in a war on Russia's wallet — aiming to cut off their economy and halt the invasion of Ukraine.

Showing 1–20 of 20 episodes