logo
episode-header-image
Aug 2024
59m 23s

"Forget it, Sheik... it's ABSCAM"

iHeartPodcasts
About this episode

Just a few years after Watergate, the halls of power of Washington DC were again stained with fresh scandal. A busload of sitting US congressmen were caught up in an FBI sting operation, one run by a career, small-time criminal, a swindler and scammer. The operation is most memorable for the FBI's two fake sheiks used for their undercover busts. But when the FBI's callin' the tune, sometimes all you can do is get down and sheik your booty.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Oct 15
An Offense to Forgers: The Fake Italian Amphitheater
There's a lot of money to be made in tourism, especially in culturally rich areas like Italy's Veneto region. So what's a philanthropist/entrepreneur/orchestra conductor to do? Build a fake ancient amphitheater, of course! The Italian government, though, doesn't take kindly to th ... Show More
56m 11s
Oct 13
The Great Yosemite Gold Rush of Pot
Last week, Elizabeth shared a story from the Gold Rush. And this week, Zaron brings us a story from the Yosemite Gold Rush. If you've never heard of it, that's when a bunch of dirtbag rock climbers who called Yosemite home learned about a downed pot smuggler's plane that was trap ... Show More
1h 8m
Oct 8
Gold Dust Woman: Marie Suize Pantalon
Marie Suize made her way from France to the foothills of California for the Gold Rush. One of just a few women up there mining for gold, she managed to make a fortune and gain the respect of her fellow prospectors. In an effort to be practical and comfortable, she started wearing ... Show More
54m 54s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2019
Pardoned: Richard Nixon Pt. 1
In 1972, a break-in at the Watergate office complex in Washington D.C. had the FBI investigating what they thought was an ordinary burglary. But when the evidence led them to the White House, they uncovered what would become the biggest political scandal of the 20th century. Lear ... Show More
49m 21s
Aug 2019
Iran-Contra Affair: Shady in the 80s, Part 2
<p>As the operation expands it also begins to unravel. Word starts to leak out of the illegal stuff the Reagan administration was up to, Congress and the press investigate and people start to point fingers. Spoiler alert – they all got off scot free.</p><p> </p> Learn more about ... Show More
43m 41s
Jul 2024
Watergate: Deep Throat, Deeper Trouble with Langston Kerman and Gareth Reynolds | 42
In 1972, five clumsy burglars broke into the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate Hotel. They were armed with tear gas pens, wads of cash, and enough surveillance equipment to make the NSA blush - and they were immediately caught. What could’ve been written ... Show More
50m 27s
Aug 2023
Abscam | Money Talks | 1
The FBI launches an operation to catch white-collar criminals. To pull off the sting, agents partner with a lifelong conman—who offers an unusual plan.Want to listen to the remaining episodes of Abscam? Episodes 2 and 3 are available exclusively and ad-free on Wondery+. With Wond ... Show More
43m 39s
Jul 2024
S2E5: G-Men Are Coming to Town
The FBI hunts the burglars, who suddenly have a window into J. Edgar Hoover's most twisted and sinister operations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
45 m
Dec 2021
Burgers & Spies
Vanessa Kirby meets Naveed Jamali, an FBI operative who worked his way into the world of espionage. Hoping to impress US Intelligence, Naveed used family connections to set himself up as a double agent, fooling the Russians into revealing their operations on American soil. Armed ... Show More
42m 39s
Apr 2024
Hot Socialite Turns Expert Blackmailer
In the 1910s, Buda Godman turned heads in New York. She was young, hot, and everyone wanted to get to know her. But who cares about being a 1910s influencer? So boring! Buda dove into a life of crime instead. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
23m 29s
Dec 2021
5 FBI Agents Busted For International Prostitution Scandal
<p>5 Rounds in the magazine ... Round 1: 5 FBI agents were caught receiving some good ole fashioned carolina squeezers while on an overseas trip. We dont prostitute shame but the Department of Justice does. Round 2: Lessons in leadership courtesy of Urban Meyer. Round 3: Gre ... Show More
1h 23m