Heists, Scams & Lies

• Pirates in the Caribbean | Episode 2

  It’s 2008 and business is booming at Harlequin. But Ames is spending investor money at an alarming rate – on pirate ships, imported sand, even plans for a private airline. Meanwhile, construction at Buccament Bay is spiralling into chaos. Builders vanish with millions. Accountants and contractors become suspiciously close friends. When Ames finally visits the site, he's shocked by what he finds. Back in Britain, investors discover their promised properties are still empty plots of land, years past their completion dates. Then expert advisors arrive to examine Harlequin's finances… If you have any information you’d like to share with us about Harlequin, please drop us a line at [email protected] Hosts: George Odling and Andy JehringSeries Producer: Ósk PétursdóttirSound Design: John ScottExecutive Producer: Bella SoamesAdditional Production: Julia WebsterJoin The Crime Desk now get early access to new seasons of Heists, Scams & Lies before anyone else. Plus, you'll get exclusive weekly bonus episodes of our award-winning podcast The Trial, ad-free listening across all of our shows, and early access to brand-new true crime shows. Become a member today at thecrimedesk.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• The Big Sell | Episode 1

  A balmy evening in 2009. Steel drums, champagne, and celebrity endorsements. David Ames – a twice-bankrupt salesman from Essex – unveils his vision: Caribbean paradise resorts where ordinary people can own property for just £1,000. With backing from football legends, tennis stars, and property guru Phil Spencer, thousands of investors hand over life savings and pension pots. But who is David Ames? What experience does he have building international resorts? As money floods in and construction begins, the first cracks start appearing in paradise.Hosts: George Odling and Andy JehringSeries Producer: Ósk PétursdóttirSound Design: John ScottExecutive Producer: Bella SoamesAdditional Production: Julia WebsterIf you have any information you’d like to share with us about Harlequin, please drop us a line at [email protected] The Crime Desk now get early access to new seasons of Heists, Scams & Lies before anyone else. Plus, you'll get exclusive weekly bonus episodes of our award-winning podcast The Trial, ad-free listening across all of our shows, and early access to brand-new true crime shows. Become a member today at thecrimedesk.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Introducing... The Lost Caribbean Millions

  David Ames was a twice-bankrupt double-glazing salesman from Basildon with dreams of building a Caribbean property empire. His company, Harlequin, promised ordinary investors luxury resort properties at bargain prices – their slice of paradise and financial security.Over nearly a decade, more than 8,000 people handed over £400 million. Many bet their entire pension pots on Ames' vision.But behind Ames’ slick marketing pitch lay financial chaos and systematic deception. While investors waited for dream properties, their money funded pirate ships, imported sand that washed away with the tide, and eye-watering sales commissions.From a local newspaper investigation that exposed the scheme to the Serious Fraud Office's decade-long pursuit of justice, this is the story of how thousands lost everything betting on one man’s vision. Featuring exclusive interviews with victims, investigators, and industry insiders, The Lost Caribbean Millions reveals the human cost of one of Britain's biggest investment frauds. Join The Crime Desk now get early access to new seasons of Heists, Scams & Lies before anyone else. Plus, you'll get exclusive weekly bonus episodes of our award-winning podcast The Trial, ad-free listening across all of our shows, and early access to brand-new true crime shows. Become a member today at thecrimedesk.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• The Hunt for Tamara Ecclestone's Diamonds | Treasure Hunt

  With the chief suspect behind bars, some of their closest associates are ready to talk. Gently, over the course of nearly a year, reporters George Odling and Andy Jehring follow a trail. Their enquiries eventually lead them to one person, who they believe might have some key information. One day, in a taxi coming back from a job in Europe, Andy gets a call… and it’s the stuff of journalists’ dreams. A source tells them that he knows where the diamonds are. So, armed with a terrifying briefing from a former British Army officer, a pair of burner phones, and the prospect of spending the rest of their lives looking over their shoulders for professional gangsters, Andy and George head back to Serbia to meet their man. If you think you might have some information, please, drop us a line. Please send any tips [email protected] New episodes released weekly. Don’t want to wait? Join The Crime Desk now and hear all episodes in the series as soon as it launches. Plus, you'll get exclusive weekly bonus episodes of our award-winning podcast The Trial, ad-free listening across all of our shows, and early access to brand-new series. Become a member today at thecrimedesk.com.Reporters: Andy Jehring and George Odling Producer: Julia WebsterSound Design: Jarek Zaba and John Scott Studio Manager: Sam Chisholm Executive Producers: Jamie East and Bella Soames  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesJoin The Crime Desk now get early access to new seasons of Heists, Scams & Lies before anyone else. Plus, you'll get exclusive weekly bonus episodes of our award-winning podcast The Trial, ad-free listening across all of our shows, and early access to brand-new true crime shows. Become a member today at thecrimedesk.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• The Hunt for Tamara Ecclestone's Diamonds | Treasure Hunt

  With the chief suspect behind bars, some of their closest associates are ready to talk. Gently, over the course of nearly a year, reporters George Odling and Andy Jehring follow a trail. Their enquiries eventually lead them to one person, who they believe might have some key information. One day, in a taxi coming back from a job in Europe, Andy gets a call… and it’s the stuff of journalists’ dreams. A source tells them that he knows where the diamonds are. So, armed with a terrifying briefing from a former British Army officer, a pair of burner phones, and the prospect of spending the rest of their lives looking over their shoulders for professional gangsters, Andy and George head back to Serbia to meet their man. If you think you might have some information, please, drop us a line. Please send any tips [email protected] New episodes released weekly. Don’t want to wait? Join The Crime Desk now and hear all episodes in the series as soon as it launches. Plus, you'll get exclusive weekly bonus episodes of our award-winning podcast The Trial, ad-free listening across all of our shows, and early access to brand-new series. Become a member today at thecrimedesk.com.Reporters: Andy Jehring and George Odling Producer: Julia WebsterSound Design: Jarek Zaba and John Scott Studio Manager: Sam Chisholm Executive Producers: Jamie East and Bella Soames  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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