Cyber Hack - podcast cover

Cyber Hack

BBC World Servicewww.bbc.co.uk

They steal billions: Cyber Hack investigates the alleged cyber gangs and the heists and hacks they’re accused of carrying out. No one is said to be safe. From Hollywood studios, to international banks, from crypto exchanges to small businesses and health care companies, law enforcement agencies say they cause chaos around the globe. Who will be next? And where is the money going?

Latest season: Evil Corp. The Russian Evil Corp is accused of being a family crime gang, responsible for stealing hundreds of millions of dollars. Law enforcement agencies say they are “the most pervasive cybercrime group to ever have operated”. No one is off limits – not even a group of nuns in Chicago.

Previously on Cyber Hack: The Lazarus Heist. This hacking group is said to be behind the biggest crypto heist in history, stealing billions of dollars in the process. Investigators blame North Korea’s state-backed hackers The Lazarus Group, and say the stolen money is being used to finance its nuclear weapons and missile development programs. Pyongyang denies involvement. Among the Lazarus Group’s many targets are Hollywood’s Sony Entertainment and the Bank of Bangladesh. ATMs are cleaned out of money, while its operatives live double lives in a hacker hotel. But where does the money trail lead?

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Episodes

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Mar 30, 20265 minSeason 3Ep. 7

Evil Corp: 6. Fatherland

This episode delves into the pursuit of Maksim Yakubets, alleged leader of Evil Corp, by Western investigators, exploring how they use unconventional intelligence to track him and his associates. It uncovers shocking allegations of Yakubets' direct collaboration with Russia's FSB intelligence agency since 2017 and details the financial sanctions and indictments against his family. The discussion also examines the role of his father-in-law, Eduard Bendersky, a former elite soldier with alleged ties to Russian state assassinations, painting a picture of a deeply intertwined network of cybercrime and state power.

Nov 24, 20251 hr 8 minSeason 3Ep. 6

Evil Corp: 5. Game over

As the cyber criminals reinvent themselves, FBI Special Agent Keith Mularski goes undercover to infiltrate the operation. But as kingpin Tank is finally arrested, another leader rises with the creation of a new crew: Evil Corp. The group’s alleged leader, Maksim Yakubets, would go on to steal millions using “one of the most prolific and successful malware strains” in the history of cyber-crime. Hosted by Joe Tidy, the BBC’s cyber correspondent – one of the few Western journalists to have met an ...

Nov 17, 202545 minSeason 3Ep. 5

Evil Corp: 4. The insider

A cyber-crime kingpin in a US prison speaks for the first time. How did he dodge the FBI when they came to his home? And how did he and his alleged crime gang steal millions of dollars from their victims? We learn that Jabber Zeus boss Tank had friends in high political places in Ukraine – and a budding young business associate in Russia. Hosted by Joe Tidy, the BBC’s cyber correspondent – one of the few Western journalists to have met an alleged member of Evil Corp – and the BBC’s Eastern and S...

Nov 10, 202533 minSeason 3Ep. 4

Evil Corp: 3. Agents on the doorstep

The net tightens on the Jabber Zeus crew. Police and intelligence services across borders are poised to synchronise raids, but cops in London are thrown a last-minute curveball that could see the whole operation implode. Meanwhile, tales of Tank’s past emerge - and his former life as club DJ Slava Rich. But as FBI agents working in Ukraine brace to break down doors and make arrests, are the hackers already aware of what’s coming? Hosted by Joe Tidy, the BBC’s cyber correspondent – one of the few...

Nov 03, 202530 minSeason 3Ep. 3

Evil Corp: 2. Into the storm

A rookie FBI agent is swept up in a case that goes from Main St, USA, to the UK, Ukraine and Russia. Cyber-crime victims are everywhere. This is way bigger than Jim Craig thought. He travels to Ukraine to meet his counterparts. Over vodka and fine food in a dacha in the Ukrainian forest, they make a plan to go after the suspected cyber hackers. Hosted by Joe Tidy, the BBC’s cyber correspondent – one of the few Western journalists to have met an alleged member of Evil Corp – and the BBC’s Sarah R...

Oct 27, 202534 minSeason 3Ep. 2

Evil Corp: 1. Zeus

Moscow drag racers, an opulent Russian wedding and a malware code named after the Greek god of thunder - how do they all connect? A cyber-sleuth and “dark hero of the internet” Lawrence Baldwin sees signs of an emerging underworld. As money vanishes from accounts across the US, Lawrence follows the trail, infiltrating the gang - holding out for clues. But who are these audacious hackers? Hosted by Joe Tidy, the BBC’s cyber correspondent, one of the few Western journalists to have met an alleged ...

Oct 20, 202539 minSeason 3Ep. 1

Evil Corp: Trailer

Accused of stealing hundreds of millions of dollars – Russia’s most wanted hackers. Just who are Evil Corp? In season 3 of Cyber Hack, we follow the years’ long trail with investigators as they try to track down the man alleged to be at the centre of it all, hacker Maksim Yakubets. Follow or subscribe to Cyber Hack, so you never miss an episode.

Oct 17, 20254 minSeason 3Ep. 1

The Lazarus Heist S2: A message to listeners

A message from Geoff White on changes you'll see to The Lazarus Heist podcast feed, which will now be called Cyber Hack, from the BBC World Service. From this point on we're giving all series of this podcast the over-arching name of Cyber Hack. But don't worry, series 1 and 2 will remain as The Lazarus Heist, co-hosted by Geoff and Jean Lee. And then we have a new series coming very soon, hosted by the BBC's Joe Tidy and Sarah Rainsford, looking at another alleged major hacking group. You can li...

Oct 15, 20251 minSeason 2Ep. 11

The Lazarus Heist S2: Special: The biggest heist yet

This episode details the staggering $1.5 billion Bybit crypto heist attributed to North Korea's Lazarus Group, revealing their sophisticated cyber tactics and rapid money laundering. It also features a world-exclusive interview with a North Korean soldier captured fighting for Russia in Ukraine, offering a rare glimpse into Pyongyang's expanding military reach. The discussion explores Kim Jong-un's motivations, the economic impact of cybercrime, and the alarming potential for military and nuclear technology exchange with Russia.

Aug 18, 202556 minSeason 2Ep. 10

The Lazarus Heist S2: 9. Big spenders

“Are you a North Korean hacker? Yes, I am.” Investigators say money from the Lazarus Group’s hacks is flowing into Kim Jong-un’s nuclear weapons programme. Can it be stopped? #LazarusHeist

May 21, 202341 minSeason 2Ep. 10

The Lazarus Heist S2: 8. Bitcoin bandits

From millions to billions: the Lazarus Group get into cryptocurrency. North Korea tries to infiltrate companies from the inside, posing as job seekers. “We had a North Korean on our payroll”. Can investigators stop them cashing out their digital loot? #LazarusHeist

May 14, 202337 minSeason 2Ep. 9

The Lazarus Heist S2: 7. Crypto comrades

It’s North Korea’s first crypto conference. Eight international tech experts decide to go but someone is watching. Their every move in Pyongyang is followed and they soon regret the trip. “I was put in handcuffs and taken to an interrogation centre.” #LazarusHeist

May 07, 202338 minSeason 2Ep. 8

The Lazarus Heist S2: 6. False flags

“He wrote me beautiful letters!” A “bromance” begins between President Trump and Kim Jong-un but how long will it last? The US president’s former security advisor, Ambassador John Bolton, reveals what happens inside the summit room when the two leaders meet face to face. Plus, the Olympic Destroyer hackers are finally unmasked – but who are they? #LazarusHeist

Apr 30, 202337 minSeason 2Ep. 7

The Lazarus Heist S2: 5. ‘Olympic Destroyer’

Hackers attack the Winter Olympics, during the opening ceremony in South Korea. Who is responsible? Fingers point to North Korea but it has joined forces with its neighbour and even sent a team. Why would they want to sabotage it? What’s going on? #LazarusHeist

Apr 23, 202326 minSeason 2Ep. 6

The Lazarus Heist S2: 4. Fire and fury

"Something was collapsing inside me.” A top North Korean diplomat questions his commitment to the regime. And an adventure ends in tragedy for the American student, Otto Warmbier. We hear from the doctor who joined the mission to bring him home from Pyongyang.

Apr 16, 202344 minSeason 2Ep. 5

The Lazarus Heist S2: 3. Hushpuppi

A social media influencer is laundering cash for the hackers. Hushpuppi has expensive tastes and a luxury lifestyle. His paymasters? The dark web fraudster, Big Boss and the Lazarus Group cyber criminals, with alleged links to North Korea. Law enforcement is closing in. #LazarusHeist

Apr 09, 202339 minSeason 2Ep. 4

The Lazarus Heist S2: 2. Big Boss

The hackers turn to the dark web and enlist an eager new recruit. “Big Boss” is key to the ATM heist but who is he? Meanwhile, the police in India continue to investigate and make arrests. #LazarusHeist

Apr 02, 202333 minSeason 2Ep. 3

The Lazarus Heist S2: 1. Jackpotting

Millions of dollars are stolen from ATMs at the same time in 28 countries. An army of money mules stuff the cash into bags. Do they know who they are really working for? In just over two hours, the thieves take nearly $14 million - all from the accounts of Cosmos Bank in India. The hackers are back! #LazarusHeist

Mar 26, 202337 minSeason 2Ep. 2

The Lazarus Heist S2: Trailer

The hackers are back – and they are accused of being more dangerous than ever. Their cyber-attacks are getting more sophisticated and audacious. It’s claimed they are getting away with billions. North Korea denies everything. With hosts Jean Lee and Geoff White. #Lazarusheist

Mar 13, 20234 minSeason 2Ep. 1

The Lazarus Heist S1: Lazarus Heist live

A special episode recorded in front of an audience in New York. What’s it like working in North Korea? How are hackers tracked in real time? Hosted by podcaster and musician Dessa, with Jean Lee and Geoff White. Your questions answered, plus guests: Seohyun Lee, who defected from North Korea, and cybersecurity expert Michael ‘Barni’ Barnhart. #LazarusHeist

Oct 07, 202258 minSeason 1Ep. 12

The Lazarus Heist S1: 10. Kill switch

A frightening global attack, hospitals in chaos and an accidental hero with a secret. A virus spreads from computer to computer in 150 countries, causing billions of dollars in damage. It’s the story of WannaCry and Marcus Hutchins. Please help spread the word about #Lazarusheist

Jun 20, 202145 minSeason 1Ep. 11

The Lazarus Heist S1: 9. The Macau connection

“Dark arts”, murders and a place with a murky past. Breaking news: an unexpected interview with one of the middlemen. Please help us spread the word about #LazarusHeist on social media and leave ratings and reviews. Correction: This episode says that Kim Jong-nam was killed in 2015. The correct date was 2017.

Jun 13, 202141 minSeason 1Ep. 10

The Lazarus Heist S1: 7. Korean roulette

A car loaded with cash, fake millionaires and death threats – we’re following the money. After they hacked into the billion dollar account, it was time to gamble. The story moves to the Philippines. #LazarusHeist Please help us spread the word and leave ratings and reviews.

May 30, 202139 minSeason 1Ep. 8

The Lazarus Heist S1: 6. Cyber slaves

A double life overseas and welcome to hacker hotel. There’s an ominous message from a friend - “I don’t think I’ll be coming back”. #LazarusHeist

May 23, 202140 minSeason 1Ep. 7

The Lazarus Heist S1: 5. Cyber warriors

Surveillance, state control, executions and how to become a hacker. The FBI has accused Park Jin Hyok of being a hacker but how much choice do members of the Lazarus group actually have? #LazarusHeist

May 16, 202142 minSeason 1Ep. 6

The Lazarus Heist S1: 2. Disaster movie

“I was terrified.” Panic in Hollywood, careers ruined and helium filled balloons sent to North Korea. President Obama makes clear who he blames for the Sony hack. #LazarusHeist

Apr 25, 202137 minSeason 1Ep. 3
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