Shadow World

A few months into the trial, Helen and Dave get an unexpected communication from the McDonald's Board of Directors. In 1986, members of environmental group, London Greenpeace, published a leaflet called ‘What’s wrong with McDonald’s?’ It claimed McDonald’s was exploiting workers, destroying rainforests, torturing animals, and promoting food that could make people sick, even cause cancer... McDonal...

When McDonald's discloses internal company documents to the court, they reveal somebody has been watching... In 1986, members of environmental group, London Greenpeace, published a leaflet called ‘What’s wrong with McDonald’s?’ It claimed McDonald’s was exploiting workers, destroying rainforests, torturing animals, and promoting food that could make people sick, even cause cancer... McDonald’s sai...

The London Greenpeace numbers have been dwindling until new faces start turning up at meetings...but something isn't right. In 1986, members of environmental group, London Greenpeace, published a leaflet called ‘What’s wrong with McDonald’s?’ It claimed McDonald’s was exploiting workers, destroying rainforests, torturing animals, and promoting food that could make people sick, even cause cancer......

In 1986, members of environmental group, London Greenpeace, published a leaflet called ‘What’s wrong with McDonald’s?’ It claimed McDonald’s was exploiting workers, destroying rainforests, torturing animals, and promoting food that could make people sick, even cause cancer... McDonald’s said the claims in the leaflet were untrue and defamatory and the company demanded an apology. Helen Steel, a ga...

Mark Steel introduces an extraordinary battle between two activists - a gardener and a former postman - and one of the world's biggest fast food companies. A battle over a leaflet which led to the longest trial in English history. It would bring issues like rainforest destruction and advertising to children into the mainstream. It would also be the moment our Prime Minister first comes to prominen...

Where did the gang get the idea to use fake wills to steal the homes of the dead? Sue travels to Budapest to find out. As her investigation concludes, she exposes the scale of a crime that had gone unreported until now, and she hears how the authorities are finally starting to act. Presenter: Sue Mitchell Producers: Sue Mitchell, Joe Moors and Winifred Robinson Sound design and mix: Tom Brignell P...

It should be impossible to steal a home, but this new narrative podcast from multi award winning investigative reporter Sue Mitchell (Intrigue: To Catch a Scorpion, Million Dollar Lover) reveals a gang operating in the UK to steal houses from people who die without a recent will. The series hears from victims of the gang - and confronts its leaders, highlighting the shortfalls of a creaking system...

Michael Judd's neighbours watch on in horror as thieves take possession of his home - selling everything of value and destroying his much loved collection of musical instruments It should be impossible to steal a home, but this new narrative podcast from multi award winning investigative reporter Sue Mitchell (Intrigue: To Catch a Scorpion, Million Dollar Lover) reveals a gang operating in the UK...

Fake wills, stolen identities and cannabis farms - Sue Mitchell’s investigation gathers pace as she exposes how criminals are stripping the estates of the dead , denying rightful heirs their inheritance.

Two sisters, set to receive a surprise life-changing inheritance, have it snatched away by a stranger. As Sue Mitchell investigates, she reveals how fake wills are being used to strip the estates of the dead and deny rightful heirs what is rightfully theirs. This new narrative podcast from multi award winning investigative reporter Sue Mitchell (Intrigue: To Catch a Scorpion, Million Dollar Lover)...

It should be impossible to steal a home, but Sue Mitchell reveals it's all too easy. The multi-award winning investigative journalist (Intrigue: To Catch a Scorpion, Million Dollar Lover) is on the trail of an East European crime group using forged wills to 'take' the homes of the dead , stealing millions from rightful heirs and denying the Government valuable tax revenue. Sue Mitchell starts her...

Journalist Annabel Deas speaks to experts who fear Nick’s routes and methods are a back door for other people smugglers

Nick arrives in Kent with four Vietnamese migrants on his boat. But he’s met by police who arrest him for people smuggling.

After a near escape, Nick vows to never smuggle again. Meanwhile, police build a theory that Nick is smuggling Vietnamese migrants to work on cannabis farms.

Nick evades the police in France. But his boat is broken and taking on water. Meanwhile, journalist Annabel Deas hears about the dangerous journeys taken by Vietnamese migrants. Presenter - Annabel Deas Producer - Hayley Mortimer Sound design - Neil Churchill Researcher - Isabel Kimbrey Editor - Matt Willis Commissioning Executive - Tracy Williams Commissioning Editor - Dan Clarke Series music - A...

Nick is paid thousands of pounds to bring Vietnamese migrants into the UK. But at what cost?

Nick buys a boat and searches for a new smuggling route across the English Channel.

After serving time in prison for people smuggling, Nick becomes an informant, providing information about the Albanian gang.

Nick is growing in confidence, smuggling migrants across the channel on ferries. But human error is impossible to avoid.

Nick is desperate to provide for his new family. He travels to Dunkirk to smuggle an illegal migrant into the UK. Meanwhile, a police operation swings into action.

British builder Nick is struggling after the 2008 financial crash. He receives an offer from an Albanian people smuggling gang that’s too good to refuse. Presenter - Annabel Deas Producer - Hayley Mortimer Sound design - Neil Churchill Editor - Matt Willis Commissioning Executive - Tracy Williams Commissioning Editor - Dan Clarke Series music - Ambit Sound

NEW in Shadow World: The Smuggler tells the story of a former British soldier who became an international people smuggler. In this intimate portrait of a British people smuggler, we hear from the perpetrator directly, to uncover his motivations, methods and the consequences of risking the lives of desperate people. The investigation exposes how the smuggling techniques used are still possible toda...

When The Willpower Detectives aired on BBC Radio 4, just before Christmas 2024, hundreds of listeners contacted the BBC with their own stories about power of attorney and the way it can be abused. The series revealed how a partner at an Essex based law firm – Ron Hiller – was taking over the finances of vulnerable clients, clearing and selling their homes and leaving them without access to informa...

The hidden scandal of Power of Attorney – how one man controls the finances of scores of vulnerable people. Sue Mitchell holds those responsible to account and ends with the story of one woman, now on the brink of a new life. She is taking back control of her finances and is on the move. Giving someone else control of your finances and decisions – through Lasting Power of Attorney – is meant to co...

A man receives compensation after abuse in a Catholic boarding school and wants to know what has happened to some of his money. He asks Sue Mitchell to help him find out more. The hidden scandal of Power of Attorney - concerned neighbours ask Sue for help. Giving someone else control of your finances and decisions – through Lasting Power of Attorney – is meant to come with a guarantee that they al...