Smoke Screen
By Auddy
Smoke Screen: Love, bribes and spies in the tobacco industry.
Victoria Hollingsworth tells the true story of corrupt practices behind the scenes at British American Tobacco. We hear from the very people who were caught up in this world as we sink deep into the dirty underbelly of the tobacco industry in South Africa.
BAT says its actions were simply to combat the illicit trade in tobacco products. The UK's Serious Fraud Office investigated matters and found there was insufficient evidence for any prosecution.
Our investigation tries to find the truth behind the lies.
A partnership between the Bureau of Investigative Journalism and Auddy.
Click here to find out more about the Bureau of Investigation Journalism - https://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/projects/smoke-screen-podcast
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Victoria Hollingsworth tells the true story of corrupt practices behind the scenes at British American Tobacco. We hear from the very people who were caught up in this world as we sink deep into the dirty underbelly of the tobacco industry in South Africa.
BAT says its actions were simply to combat the illicit trade in tobacco products. The UK's Serious Fraud Office investigated matters and found there was insufficient evidence for any prosecution.
Our investigation tries to find the truth behind the lies.
A partnership between the Bureau of Investigative Journalism and Auddy.
Click here to find out more about the Bureau of Investigation Journalism - https://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/projects/smoke-screen-podcast
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Latest episode
-
Introducing: Bad Money - Big Spender
A Hong Kong criminal goes further than anyone before to get rich. -
Episode 9: TBIJ talk to BizNews
The Bureau of Investigative Journalism and its reporting partners received hundreds of thousands of documents about British American Tobacco and its hired spies – and what they got up to in South Africa and beyond. It's a tale of spies, lies, toba… -
Episode 8: Consequences
We conclude our investigation by speaking to the people who have been affected by the story. Hearing the opinions of experts in the field, we understand why this story was so important to share. BAT denies any wrongdoing and … -
Episode 7: The Needle in the Haystack
The investigation continues to explore the FSS and finds evidence that the bribes may have extended beyond South Africa’s borders. As things began to spiral out of control the government became involved and key players took the blame. -
Episode 6: Boots on the Ground
We come back to the investigation to understand why there is such much to uncover. The link to the local private security firm seems to hold the key. Their surveillance techniques led to more allegations and people being held… -
Episode 5: The Englishman, The Scotsman and the Welshman
The search for Belinda begins. BAT said their actions were simply to combat the illicit trade in tobacco products. But just how big was this operation?A Novel Production for The Bureau of Investigative Journalism a… -
Episode 4: Allegations
Whose side were you on? We continue our investigation into the murky world of the tobacco industry in South Africa. As it became harder to know who to trust, people’s careers have paid the price. A Novel Production… -
Episode 3: Matters of the Heart
We met Johann Van Loggerenberg in episode 2, but how did a tax official know so much? Exploring his relationship with Belinda uncovers how sensitive information could have got into the wrong hands.A Novel Production for The B… -
Episode 2: Agent 5332
How and why did Belinda end up blowing the whistle on BAT? Only she really knows the answer. Is she really who she seems? And how was she involved with the state intelligence agency? As the investigation unfolds, we witness h… -
Episode 1: Room 205
They say a leopard doesn’t change its spots. In 2013, we meet an attorney called Belinda Walter who is recruited by BAT in London to spy on the tobacco smugglers within South Africa. How is it that an upstanding citizen can get wrapped u…
