White-Collar Crime Podcasts

Kingdom of Fraud

iHeartPodcasts

What happens when a devout member of a secretive polygamist sect joins forces with a shadowy international tycoon? Kingdom of Fraud unravels the staggering true story of an improbable alliance that spiraled into one of the largest tax fraud cases in American history. Hosted by investigative reporter Michelle McPhee, this podcast meticulously maps the journey of Jacob Kingston—a man raised within the insular, high-pressure world of The Order—as he transitions from a life of religious seclusion to orchestrating a massive, billion-dollar biofuel tax scheme. The series does more than just follow the money; it exposes the rot that allowed this criminal enterprise to flourish. From the internal psychological toll of life in a polygamous group to the terrifying reality of an umbrella of protection where law enforcement officials trade their badges for bribes, McPhee digs deep into the human cost of greed. Through expert interviews, compelling witness accounts from those who escaped, and a gritty reconstruction of court testimonies, the show highlights how fragile alliances and shifting loyalties fueled a global operation reaching from Utah to Turkey and Belize. Whether exploring the intimidation tactics of the Armenian crime underworld or the dangerous lure of status, Kingdom of Fraud is a gripping investigation into how corporate malfeasance, political corruption, and personal obsession collide with devastating consequences. It is an essential listen for anyone fascinated by the intersection of power, religion, and institutional crime.