How does one become a spy? Sam speaks with a former Russian intelligence officer about how Marsalek might have been recruited. And to what ends.
#wirecard #bribe #investigation #espionage #janmarsalek #undercover #austria #vienna #fintech #russianspy #warlord #disinformation #europe #us #investigativejournalism
Hot Money, the award-winning podcast series from the Financial Times and Pushkin Industries, is back with a third season.
In 2020, the Financial Times exposed a €2bn fraud at Wirecard, a high-flying German fintech. Many thought that was the end of the story.
But for FT reporter Sam Jones, it was just the beginning. This season on Hot Money: Agent of Chaos, Sam investigates Wirecard’s chief operating officer who vanished just as Wirecard collapsed — and who turned out to also be a Russian spy.
From an Ibizan sting operation to an attempted takeover of the Austrian intelligence service, his reporting spirals into a world of warlords, espionage and disinformation.
All in an attempt to answer two questions: who is the real Jan Marsalek? And what does his secret life reveal about the powerful forces he serves?
New episodes of the eight-part season will drop every Tuesday.
► Enjoying FT content? Get a daily slice of the very best FT journalism with FT Edit. Free for 30 days then just £4.99 a month
See if you get the FT for free as a student ( or start a £1 trial:
► Check out our Community tab for more stories:
► Listen to our podcasts:
► Follow us on Insta
|
How are markets responding to the US and...
LIVE: Trump delivers remarks in Kentucky...
U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum disc...
FOX Business host Larry Kudlow discusses...
The surprising truth about AI replacing ...
Daily Market Coverage Mar. 11, 2026 3PM-...
BNY Wealth chief investment officer Sine...
In this episode of The Brainstorm, Brett...
Small Business Administration Administra...
Heritage Foundation National Security Vi...
'The Big Money Show' discusses New York ...
Oil markets are roiling amid the U.S.-Is...
Most AI companies seem excited to be wor...
Companies are leaning into AI to help ha...
The oil market has seen significant vola...