Unmasking crime: NCA’s new podcast delves into UK’s darkest criminal underworld

The National Crime Agency (NCA) is offering the public a unique chance to step behind the crime scene tape and discover the nation’s most pivotal criminal investigations.

In their new podcast series, ‘UNDERWORLD: Behind the Scenes of the NCA’, the Agency delves into the murky world of organised crime.

Covering a range of criminal deeds, from drug trafficking and child abuse to illegal firearms trade, each episode sheds light on the NCA’s unyielding chase for justice.

Since its founding ten years ago, the NCA has consistently tackled serious and organised crime.

This podcast honours the agency’s persistent efforts, highlighting their advanced intelligence and investigatory skills.

Each episode shares how these committed officers identified, pursued, and finally brought some of the UK’s gravest criminals to book.

Each segment homes in on a particular criminal threat, taking listeners on a gripping ride through chilling tales of organised crime.

Stories range from a million-pound human smuggling ring to accounts of a whopping £100 million illicitly leaving the country.

Leading the audience through this treacherous landscape is esteemed investigative journalist, Ellie Flynn. Armed with her sharp insights, Ellie engages with NCA officers, global law enforcement bodies like the US Homeland Security, media experts, and psychologists.

Together, they craft a full image of each case, unveiling facts previously unknown to the public.

The early episodes focus on the challenges of capturing some of the UK’s most notorious offenders.

These include high-profile figures like drug lord Robert Dawes, the vile paedophile Matthew Falder, and the infamous arms dealer Harry Shilling.

Ellie remarked, “We often hear of criminals being apprehended and sentenced. Now, for the first time, I’ll take listeners backstage to reveal the NCA’s true role. We’ll see how their intelligence, investigative prowess, and expertise have safeguarded the UK for a decade and adapt to evolving crime.”

Graeme Biggar, Director General of the NCA, commented, “The ten-year mark is significant for us. This podcast provides the public an exclusive look at our landmark cases over the decade.

“Our primary goal is to shield the public from grave organised crime. As crime patterns shift due to online advances, global crises, and living costs, we adapt. We harness our top-tier intelligence and investigative skills to counteract organised crime and safeguard UK citizens.

“Sharing these cases with the public is a first for us. These stories epitomise our dedication to protecting UK communities by disrupting criminal operations and delivering justice.”

Established in 2013, the NCA has been relentless in safeguarding communities from the perils of organised crime. Their achievements span from dismantling scam rings and rescuing children to intercepting human traffickers and curbing gang violence.

Over the years, the NCA’s accomplishments include:

• More than 23,000 disruptions
• Over 12,500 arrests Sentences amounting to 21,100 years in total
• Confiscation of over 2,000 tonnes of drugs
• Seizure of over 3,100 firearms

‘UNDERWORLD’ will launch on Wednesday, 25 October on all major podcast platforms, including Apple, Spotify, Amazon, Google, Deezer, and SoundCloud.