World Of Secrets
BBC
Season 6: The Bad Guru. A yoga school in London. A guru running from the police. How did Miranda get sucked in?Also: Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods. Women accuse Mohamed Al Fayed of rape. And: The Abercrombie Guys. Investigating sexual exploitation claims against the former CEO of fashion giant Abercrombie & Fitch. Delve into a World of Secrets: the global investigations podcast from the BBC. Uncovering stories around the world and telling them, episode by episode, with gripping storytelling. Latest season: The Bad Guru. A yoga school in London. A guru running from the police. How did Miranda get sucked in...
What’s happening next?
World of Secrets teams are working on new investigations. Now you’ve finished listening to The Bad Guru, we are preparing six more seasons. Also, we have updates on previous investigations, including The Abercrombie Guys and Al Fayed, Predator at Harrods. Follow or subscribe now, so you get all future seasons and episodes.World of Secrets is the global investigations podcast from the BBC: Uncovering stories around the world and telling them, episode by episode, with gripping storytelling.
Feb 19, • 4:43
The Bad Guru: 6. The Return
Miranda returns to Paris after some surprising news about the guru Gregorian Bivolaru. This episode contains sexual content, allegations of sexual exploitation and some strong language. Host: Cat McShane Producers: Emma Weatherill and Cat McShane Sound design: Melvin Rickarby Production Coordinator: Juliette Harvey Unit Manager: Lucy Bannister Executive Producer: Innes Bowen Commissioning Editor: Dan Clarke Commissioning Executive: Tracy Williams
Jan 13, • 28:14
The Bad Guru: 5. The Breakthrough
“I was admitting it was a sex cult,” says Miranda. She meets up with her mother Penny to tell her what she's really been up to. When she tells her story to students from the yoga school where her journey started, the guru Gregorian denounces her as a liar. This episode contains sexual content. Host: Cat McShane Producers: Emma Weatherill and Cat McShane Sound design: Melvin Rickarby Production Coordinator: Juliette Harvey Unit Manager: Lucy Bannister Executive Producer: Innes Bowen Commis
Jan 6, • 28:56
The Bad Guru: 4. The Guru
The guru Gregorian Bivolaru comes to the door in a dressing gown and welcomes Miranda in. He is her spiritual master, but she feels physically repulsed by him. “Don’t be superficial,” she tells herself as she steps into his Paris apartment. This episode contains explicit sexual content and some strong language. Host: Cat McShane Producers: Emma Weatherill and Cat McShane Sound design: Melvin Rickarby Production Coordinator: Juliette Harvey Unit Manager: Lucy Bannister Executive Producer: I
Dec 30, 2024 • 28:40
The Bad Guru: 3. The Transformation
“I don't have my passport. I don't have my phone. I don't have my bank card… I have nothing”. Miranda is driven through Paris with her eyes covered to meet the guru Gregorian Bivolaru at a secret location. Why is her spiritual guide in hiding? This episode contains sexual content. Host: Cat McShane Producers: Emma Weatherill and Cat McShane Sound design: Melvin Rickarby Production Coordinator: Juliette Harvey Unit Manager: Lucy Bannister Executive Producer: Innes Bowen Commissioning Editor
Dec 23, 2024 • 28:47
2. The Technique
Miranda joins thousands of the guru Gregorian Bivolaru’s followers from around the world at a yoga festival in a Romanian seaside resort. It’s a two weeklong holiday and her food and accommodation is free. But is she being drawn into something darker? This episode contains explicit sexual content. Host: Cat McShane Producers: Emma Weatherill and Cat McShane Sound design: Melvin Rickarby Unit Manager: Lucy Bannister Executive Producer: Innes Bowen Production Coordinator: Juliette Harvey Co
Dec 16, 2024 • 29:04
The Bad Guru: 1. The Retreat
Miranda joins a yoga school in London. The classes make her feel amazing and the people make her feel loved. But at a weekend retreat in a country house, she gets a shock. This series contains explicit sexual content, some strong language and allegations of sexual exploitation. This episode contains explicit sexual content. Host: Cat McShane Producers: Emma Weatherill and Cat McShane Sound design: Melvin Rickarby Unit Manager: Lucy Bannister Executive Producer: Innes Bowen Commissionin
Dec 9, 2024 • 29:01
The Bad Guru: Trailer
Miranda’s search for inner peace through yoga leads to allegations of grooming, trafficking and exploitation. “You just get sucked in so gradually... that you don't realize,” says her mother Penny. This series contains explicit sexual content, some strong language and allegations of sexual exploitation. Host: Cat McShane Producers: Emma Weatherill and Cat McShane Sound design: Melvin Rickarby Unit Manager: Lucy Bannister Executive Producer: Innes Bowen Commissioning Editor: Dan Clarke Co
Dec 6, 2024 • 2:24
Finding Mr Fox: 6. What does the Fox say?
Our investigation moves to a hotel car park in Norwich, England. What more new leads will this bring? We find the man himself, but what does Fox have to say about the tonne of cocaine found on his yacht? How does he respond to the claims from Brazilian police?
Nov 27, 2024 • 27:52
Finding Mr Fox: 5. An unexpected meeting
Colin and Yemesi track down Fox's former crewmate, fresh out of a Brazilian jail and seemingly ready to talk. He travelled with Fox to Brazil on the Rich Harvest yacht and spent months there overseeing the first stage of its renovation, before the police raid and the arrests. So what can he tell us about his former employer? And what does he say about the drug smuggling and the sailors?
Nov 20, 2024 • 31:43
Finding Mr Fox: 4. A detective calls
A police chief in Brazil investigates Fox. He spends months overseeing surveillance of Fox’s yacht, then months more investigating how more than a tonne of cocaine ended up on board. For Andre Gonçalves, it begins with a tipoff from Britain’s National Crime Agency. He’s determined to fix what he sees as a grave injustice for the sailors after their arrest and harsh sentencing.
Nov 13, 2024 • 32:03
Finding Mr Fox: 3. Highway 10
The sailors are imprisoned in a country known as a “motorway service station” for cocaine cartels. Among certain police forces and crime agencies, the shortest sailing route from Latin America to Africa is known as drug traffickers’ Highway 10. Cape Verde lies at one end of it.The West African nation is used as a handy stop off point for smugglers to refuel or swap boats ahead of their journey on to Europe. For Daniel and Rodrigo though, it was somewhere to enjoy the beaches and the surf. But th
Nov 6, 2024 • 26:16
Finding Mr Fox: 2. In the doldrums
Daniel and Rodrigo’s dream voyage soon becomes a nightmare. Days into their Atlantic crossing, the boat’s motor stops working, one of their crewmates becomes too sick to get out of bed and cabin fever sets in. They’re forced to make an emergency stop in Cape Verde, the archipelago of islands off the coast of West Africa known for its natural beauty and its beaches. But they don't get the welcome they’re hoping for.
Oct 30, 2024 • 28:43
Finding Mr Fox: 1. The adventure of a lifetime
Two Brazilian sailors prepare for a transatlantic voyage that will change their fortunes forever in ways they can’t imagine. Daniel and Rodrigo sign up for a life changing opportunity to crew a yacht from Brazil to Europe and gain the experience they both crave. But before they even set off, police and their sniffer dog raid the boat and spend hours searching for cocaine, which they think may have been hidden on board.
Oct 30, 2024 • 28:11
Coming soon: Finding Mr Fox
Sailors, smugglers and millions of dollars of cocaine. A transatlantic trip of a lifetime goes wrong and lives change forever. It’s a journey from Brazil, which ends up in Cape Verde and prison. The question is: where is Fox? The new season is coming soon. Subscribe or follow now, so you get Finding Mr Fox and new episodes of previous seasons automatically.
Oct 29, 2024 • 3:08
The Abercrombie Guys: 11. Mike Jeffries Under Arrest
"Anyone who thinks they can exploit others by using the so-called casting couch system... prepare to trade that couch for a bed in federal prison."Prosecutors in New York send a stern message, as The Abercrombie Guys, Mike Jeffries and Matthew Smith, are arrested on charges of sex trafficking and interstate prostitution, along with their alleged fixer Jim Jacobson. They've denied wrongdoing.Reporter Rianna and producer Ruth head to New York to watch the court proceedings unfold, just a stone's t
Oct 26, 2024 • 25:04
Al Fayed, Predator at Harrods: 6. The ripple effect
Many more women have made allegations of abuse and rape against Mohamed Al Fayed – including Margot, who was hired as his children’s nanny. We hear her story and find out about developments in the investigation since we published the first five episodes. Harrods says it is in the process of settling over 250 claims from women who say they were abused by its former owner.Shaimaa Khalil speaks to series consultant Keaton Stone, Erica Gornall the director of Al Fayed, Predator at Harrods, and Hanna
Oct 24, 2024 • 25:56
Al Fayed, Predator at Harrods: 5. Silenced no more
Mohamed Al Fayed sells Harrods and retreats into a world of luxury villas and yachts. But will the women continue to stay silent about their allegations? Their stories weren’t all heard before his death but now they come together to speak out.Would the past catch up with a man who had now been portrayed in The Crown, the drama about the reign of Queen Elizabeth II? This season of World of Secrets is about sexual abuse, and includes descriptions which some listeners might find distressing.If you’
Sep 19, 2024 • 25:43
Al Fayed, Predator at Harrods: 4. Surveillance state
Security cameras were everywhere - in Harrods and in a luxury apartment used by staff. There’s an atmosphere of paranoia. Vanity Fair magazine was investigating the rumours swirling around Mohamed Al Fayed. Would the truth about him be exposed, even as potential witnesses say they were intimidated? This season of World of Secrets is about sexual abuse, and includes descriptions which some listeners might find distressing.If you’ve been affected by any of the issues in this series, please contact
Sep 19, 2024 • 29:28
Al Fayed, Predator at Harrods: 3. Paris
Work trips to “the city of lights” turn dark, as the extent of Mohamed Al Fayed’s power and control becomes clear. Staying in the historic Villa Windsor in Paris should have been a dream come true, but the women are left terrified. This season of World of Secrets is about sexual abuse. And this episode contains some of the most graphic descriptions.If you’ve been affected by any of the issues in this series, please contact support organisations in your own country. For a list of organisations
Sep 19, 2024 • 29:10
Al Fayed, Predator at Harrods: 2. Executive suite
Sophia is working in Harrods and is spotted by Mohamed Al Fayed. She’s handed an incredible career opportunity. Soon she moves to work with her billionaire boss in his executive suite. Not everything is as it seems.On the shop floor, Mohamed Al Fayed is known for the way he makes a dramatic entrance, flanked by security guards. “He’s coming, he’s coming”, staff call out, as they spring to attention. Celebrity customers in the 1990s, like pop superstar Michael Jackson, are shopping in the store.
Sep 19, 2024 • 27:06
Al Fayed, Predator at Harrods: 1. Golden opportunity
A dream job offer arrives from Harrods, to the surprise of debutant teenager Cheska. Why is one of the world’s most famous luxury shops interested in her? How do they know where she lives - where to send the letter? It’s the 1990s in London. Cheska and other rich girls are being introduced to high society, as part of an centuries old tradition. What should she do next? Soon after she gets the job offer, Cheska is working in owner Mohamed Al Fayed’s personal office in London’s exclusive Park Lane
Sep 19, 2024 • 29:05
The Abercrombie Guys: 10. Final Fantasy
"I thought I was gonna die." A man fears for his life after attending an Abercrombie Guys event. Mike Jeffries time as Abercrombie and Fitch CEO comes to an abrupt end, marking the end of an era. Meanwhile, in 2024 the allegations against him and Matthew Smith continue to mount. "The courtroom is where we will deal with this matter," say their lawyers. #worldofsecrets
Sep 13, 2024 • 49:30
The Abercrombie Guys: 9. The FBI is at my door
The FBI is investigating following allegations made in World of Secrets. The Abercrombie Guys vehemently deny wrongdoing and an old acquaintance comes to their defence, with a different side of the story. "Which one’s true? The audience will have to decide," he says. Meanwhile another man reports what happened when he went on a luxury cruise with Mike Jeffries and Matthew Smith - and says he faced the consequences of saying no to the former Abercrombie boss. #WorldofSecrets
Sep 13, 2024 • 41:03
The Apartheid Killer: 6. Faces at the window
How many people did Louis van Schoor really kill? We reveal he carried out many more shootings than he was tried for. He said the police knew about them and supported him – that he had been made a scapegoat. Did he feel any remorse? What of the family of Edward Soenies, murdered by van Schoor? After 35 years, how have they tried to re-build their lives? The van Schoor case represents one of many apartheid crimes. It was part of a much wider, systematic terror - the legacy of which has left a
Aug 26, 2024 • 39:12
The Apartheid Killer: 5. The trial
The reckoning of Louis van Schoor. Can justice be done or would he be cleared of the killings? This is the inside story of what was one of South Africa’s biggest criminal trials – van Schoor faces multiple charges of murder. We hear the original audio tapes from the courtroom. The police said that he was justified in using maximum force.Since this episode was recorded, it has been announced that Louis van Schoor died, on 25 July 2024. There will be more about this in the final episode. This was
Aug 19, 2024 • 37:31
The Apartheid Killer: 4. The Hunter Becomes the Hunted
Can the reign of terror of Louis van Schoor be stopped? There was a state of emergency in South Africa and resistance to the apartheid regime had intensified. A coalition of activists had him in their sights. African National Congress supporters, lawyers and journalists were fighting to bring the apartheid system to an end and, in turn, bring mass murderer van Schoor to justice. Could they succeed? Since this episode was recorded, it has been announced that Louis van Schoor died, on 25 July 2024
Aug 12, 2024 • 33:56
The Apartheid Killer: 3. The Killing Machine
The making of mass murderer Louis van Schoor. The “apartheid killer” was part of a system which enabled the shootings as “justifiable homicide”. As we investigate one of his most horrific crimes, we begin to expose the web of lies surrounding the killings and ask: how were they covered up?Since this episode was recorded, it has been announced that Louis van Schoor died, on 25 July 2024. There will be more about this later in the series. This was a four-year investigation and the interviews with
Aug 5, 2024 • 24:28
The Apartheid Killer: 2. ‘We love Louis’
Who killed Edward and so many others? His name was Louis van Schoor and we found him. Some people see one of South Africa’s most prolific mass killers as a hero. Would the “apartheid killer” admit to the multiple shootings and killings? Hosted by Ayanda Charlie and Charlie Northcott.Since this episode was recorded, it has been announced that Louis van Schoor died, on 25 July 2024. There will be more about this later in the series. This was a four-year investigation and the interviews with Louis
Jul 29, 2024 • 32:58
The Apartheid Killer: 1. Edward’s Ghost
Who was Edward and how did he die? His body is exhumed in East London, South Africa. His heartbroken family has waited decades to find out what happened to him.Edward Soenies wasn’t the only one killed in East London after dark in apartheid South Africa in the 1980s. We have spent years investigating. Hosts Ayanda Charlie and Charlie Northcott begin to unravel what happened. They hear from investigative journalist, Isa Jacobsen and Edward’s sister and son, Marlene and Raymond.Since this episode
Jul 22, 2024 • 27:18
Season 3 trailer: The Apartheid Killer
Four more seasons of World of Secrets will be released in 2024, starting with The Apartheid Killer. Episodes available weekly from 22 July.All the victims were black and the youngest was just 12 years old. Some relatives are still searching for the graves. During a three-year bloodbath in the 1980s, at least 39 people were killed in the South African city of East London – by one person. After years of investigation, we’ve tracked him down. It has been three decades since the white supremacist
Jul 17, 2024 • 4:54
Special: World of Secrets live
Inside the investigation – the story of the journalism behind The Disciples. Hear from the journalists and the whistleblowers about the investigation into TB Joshua. A special episode with season 2 presenters Charlie Northcott and Yemisi Adegoke, producer Rob Byrne, and whistleblowers Rae and Ajoke.Hosted by Hannah Ajala, presenter of "Love, Janessa", and recorded in front of an audience at “World Service Presents” in London.Plus we hear from the presenter of the first season of World of Secrets
May 6, 2024 • 43:48
S2.9 Man of God
The secret daughter of TB Joshua, who dared to rebel against her prophet father. Ajoke was born to a different mother than her sisters, and disciples have told us how she fought back against the prophet. Two years ago, we tracked her down but we weren’t able to use the recording – until now. She tells us her story.Hosts Charlie Northcott and Yemisi Adegoke unravel a story of miracles, faith and manipulation, carried out by one of the most powerful religious figures of the century.Please note, so
Jan 8, 2024 • 39:35
The Disciples: 8. Collapse
People are trapped under rubble in the Lagos church compound. The eyes of the world are now on TB Joshua. Beneath the collapsed building is 23-year-old Princess, from South Africa. Her mother says she’s told: “just pray”. Disciple Emmanuel goes to the scene. “You could hear people, and their voices are fading. From louder, it’s getting weaker.” As suspicion about the cause of the collapse intensifies, Nigeria’s president, Goodluck Jonathan, flies in to offer his condolences to TB Joshua and the
Jan 8, 2024 • 27:20
S2.7 Beware of blasphemers
A once loyal disciple and recruiter for TB Joshua speaks out. Bisola’s video emerges on the internet - she calls it Deception of the Age. For the prophet, it’s betrayal. He won’t let go and delves into his archive of confessions to try and discredit her. Other disciples are frightened, including Rae.Hosts Charlie Northcott and Yemisi Adegoke unravel a story of miracles, faith and manipulation, carried out by one of the most powerful religious figures of the century.Please note, this season of Wo
Jan 8, 2024 • 24:59
S2.6 Miracle machine
Healer or fraud? The truth about TB Joshua, whose miracles made him rich and famous. Videos show doctors testifying to his unexplainable ability to cure the sick. From restoring sight and the ability to walk, nothing seemed beyond the prophet’s power. But behind the miracles is a secret machine run by TB Joshua’s most trusted disciples. And some of them are turning whistleblowers. What was the human cost of these so-called miracles?Hosts Charlie Northcott and Yemisi Adegoke unravel a story of mi
Jan 8, 2024 • 36:20
S2.5 The maze
Anneka confronts TB Joshua. What really happened in his fifth-floor apartment at the top of the Lagos church compound? And can she escape his clutches? Anneka flees home to England but her ordeal isn’t over. TB Joshua sends one of his most trusted disciples to bring her back. “I knew she’d been sent to take me,” Anneka says. Hosts Charlie Northcott and Yemisi Adegoke unravel a story of miracles, faith and manipulation, carried out by one of the most powerful religious figures of the century. Ple
Jan 8, 2024 • 28:20
S2.4 Daddy’s calling
Namibian teenager Jessica gives up everything to join prophet TB Joshua in Lagos. She is taken to a special place, where the church was born, now transformed from a swamp into a lake, with islands and a helipad. As one of a privileged few, she sees strange rituals with swords, crosses and photographs. Back in the church compound, disciples are encouraged to call TB Joshua “Daddy”. Then, Anneka tries to escape. Hosts Charlie Northcott and Yemisi Adegoke unravel a story of miracles, faith and mani
Jan 8, 2024 • 31:11
S2.3 The compound
TB Joshua’s new disciples Rae and Anneka leave behind their lives in England to follow the prophet, along with other young people from around the world. Isolated and sleep deprived, life is tough for the disciples but the only thing that matters to them is following Jesus – and TB Joshua is their passage. Outside of the closed compound in Lagos, Nigeria, people are noticing that something is wrong. Hosts Charlie Northcott and Yemisi Adegoke unravel a story of miracles, faith and manipulation, ca
Jan 8, 2024 • 34:29
The Disciples: 2. The Prophet
The myths around Nigerian pastor TB Joshua draw young disciples into his web. His miracles go viral, bringing thousands more followers, hoping to be healed. Chosen ones, like Rae and Anneka, are invited to his Lagos church, with the coveted chance of becoming his disciples. Hosts Charlie Northcott and Yemisi Adegoke unravel a story of miracles, faith and manipulation, carried out by one of the most powerful religious figures of the century.Please note, some episodes in this season of World of Se
Jan 8, 2024 • 37:15
The Disciples: 1. Sin No More
Shots ring out at a church guarded by gunmen in Lagos, Nigeria. Behind the blacked-out windows and high walls are secrets. In a pub in Oxford, England, a woman comes to us with a story. Hosts Charlie Northcott and Yemisi Adegoke investigate the cult of TB Joshua. Please note, some episodes in this season of World of Secrets contain graphic descriptions of sexual and physical violence, including sexual assault, rape and the language associated with it. This episode also contains strong language
Jan 8, 2024 • 34:42
The Abercrombie Guys: 8. The Fallout
A lawsuit is filed revealing new allegations, but what did Abercrombie and Fitch know? An anonymous source speaks about Mike Jeffries' time at A&F, but the company won't answer all our questions. Meanwhile, another staffer recalls his time working for The Abercrombie Guys: "I only worked for them for a year, and I hated every second of it."Have you got a story to tell? Email rianna@bbc.com. Let us know what you think of the season using the hashtag #WorldofSecretsThis podcast refers to sexua
Nov 21, 2023 • 29:01
S1.7 Do you remember me?
The Abercrombie Guys’ alleged main recruiter is tracked-down to a small town in Wisconsin and asked about his involvement in the operation: “Nobody went into this without their eyes wide open.” One high profile American lawyer examines the team’s evidence and calls for prosecutors to investigate. Have you got a story to tell? Email rianna@bbc.com. Let us know what you think of the season using the hashtag #WorldofSecrets This podcast refers to sexual abuse and contains interviews that some li
Oct 2, 2023 • 33:38
S1.6 Inside the Operation
Do you know how much money I was getting paid?" A former assistant who travelled with The Abercrombie Guys agrees to talk: "They were trying to act so perfect,” he says - what could they have been hiding?” Have you got a story to tell? Email rianna@bbc.com. Let us know what you think of the season using the hashtag #WorldofSecrets This podcast refers to sexual abuse and contains interviews that some listeners may find upsetting, as well as some occasional strong language. If you've been affect
Oct 2, 2023 • 27:18
S1.5 Midnight in Marrakesh
A model is made a lucrative offer to meet the Abercrombie Guys in Morocco: “I'm going to Marrakesh, this is awesome!” But events, he says, take an unanticipated dark turn. Why was the event in Marrakesh, according to another man, “one of the sketchiest times”? Have you got a story to tell? Email rianna@bbc.com. Let us know what you think of the season using the hashtag #WorldofSecrets This podcast refers to sexual abuse and contains interviews that some listeners may find upsetting, as well as
Oct 2, 2023 • 41:16
S1.4 The Mysterious Mr Smith
Who is the other Abercrombie guy, Matthew Smith? “Witty, strict and secretive” says a former colleague. Papers reveal the influential role he had in the life of his partner, the former Abercrombie CEO Mike Jeffries. A former staffer reveals how he frequently requested large sums of cash, sealed in white envelopes – what was it for? Have you got a story to tell? Email rianna@bbc.com. Let us know what you think of the season using the hashtag #WorldofSecrets This podcast refers to sexual abus
Oct 2, 2023 • 35:41
S1.3 The Marine
A former US marine turned reality TV star is invited to Mike Jeffries' mansion in the Hamptons. He dreams of being an Abercrombie and Fitch model, and he hopes to impress the fashion mogul. But the mood at the event begins to change and he says he soon realises this is not the interview he was expecting: "I didn't feel like I had control”. Have you got a story to tell? Email rianna@bbc.com. Let us know what you think of the season using the hashtag #WorldofSecrets This podcast refers to sex
Oct 2, 2023 • 33:09
The Abercrombie Guys: 2. Who is Mike Jeffries?
He made Abercrombie and Fitch a millennial megabrand, marketing "sexy clothes on sexy people”, as one former colleague of Mike Jeffries put it. At home he had model-like men washing his cars and staff to chauffeur his dogs around. But what else was going on at his Hamptons mansion? “There was something about it that was strange,” according to a former staffer, “why wouldn’t anyone talk about it?” Rianna decides to investigate. Have you got a story to tell? Email rianna@bbc.com. Let us know what
Oct 2, 2023 • 34:32
The Abercrombie Guys: 1. Silenced
Sometimes it only takes one person to speak, for others to be heard… An aspiring male model hopes a meeting with Abercrombie and Fitch’s former CEO could be a career break. But it is far from a dream opportunity. “It's probably the darkest experience I’ve ever dealt with,” he says. After reading a cryptic tweet, Rianna Croxford follows a trail which leads to the most intensive investigation of her career. MeToo has empowered women to speak out – now men say they want to be heard. This is Wor
Oct 2, 2023 • 39:23
Trailer: World of Secrets: Season 1 - The Abercrombie Guys
An aspiring male model hopes a meeting with Abercrombie and Fitch’s former CEO could be a career break. But it's far from a dream opportunity - revealing fashion’s dark side. This is World of Secrets: Season 1 - The Abercrombie Guys, an investigation from BBC 5 Live and Panorama.
Oct 2, 2023 • 1:28