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The Crime Agents

The Crime Agents

By: Global
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Summary

If you want to understand what’s really happening on Britain’s streets, you need to hear this. The Crime Agents, the new podcast from the makers of The News Agents, goes beyond the headlines to uncover the truth behind crime that affects all of us. Why is violence rising? Why is public trust in the police collapsing? And what’s really driving young people to kill each other? Hosted by two insiders who have spent their lives chasing the answers, this is your front-row seat to the realities of crime today. Neil Basu, the former Head of UK Counter-Terrorism Policing, brings unparalleled experience from the front lines of law enforcement. Andy Hughes, LBC’s Crime Correspondent, has spent two decades exposing the criminal underworld as an award-winning investigative journalist. Each week, The Crime Agents dives deep into the stories you think you know - from foiled terror plots and unsolved murders, to gang culture, far-right extremism, and the tactics police use to crack the toughest cases. With over 50 years of combined experience, Neil and Andy don’t just report on crime - they’ve lived it. The Crime Agents is a Global production, available every Monday and Thursday on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode. For advertising opportunities on this podcast email: dax@global.comCopyright 2026 Global Politics & Government Social Sciences True Crime
Episodes
  • Mohamed Al Fayed: power, abuse & cover-up
    May 14 2026

    Just like Jimmy Savile, for years Mohamed Al Fayed used his power and wealth to commit hundreds of sexual crimes and get away with it. In this episode, Andy & Neil hear from Cheska Hill-Wood, a former Harrods employee and survivor of his abuse, about exactly how Al Fayed groomed victims and leaned on a network of corrupt police officers to ensure he was protected from prosecution and scrutiny while he was still alive.

    They ask the uncomfortable questions: was Al Fayed treated differently just because he was a billionaire businessman? Why were the police and Harrods happy to cover up his abuse for so long? And what are the chances of any of those who were complicit in his crimes ever facing justice?

    Warning: please note this episode includes a survivor's account of sexual assault.

    Follow us on social media: @thecrimeagents

    The Crime Agents is a Global production, available every Monday and Thursday on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

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    56 mins
  • Q&A: Andrew, Mandelson & is Palestine Action support about to collapse?
    May 11 2026

    Four Palestine Action activists have just been convicted of serious criminal offences, including criminal damage and GBH. Will this start to change public perceptions of the proscribed group? Will ordinary people look on them differently in light of this news? Andy & Neil break down what impact these convictions could have and discuss whether the government should have waited until now to ban Palestine Action.

    They also explain how long the potential sentences Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Peter Mandelson could face, if they were to be found guilty of Misconduct in Public Office. For now, both men deny any wrongdoing and no charges have been brought.

    Andy & Neil also reveal how they don't allow themselves to get emotional even when covering or responding to serious crimes and terror attacks, plus they break down why senior police officers often sound like politicians when they speak in public.

    Follow us on social media: @thecrimeagents

    Have a question for a future Q&A episode? Send it by email to thecrimeagents@global.com

    The Crime Agents is a Global production, available every Monday and Thursday on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

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    31 mins
  • ‘How Dare You!’ Zack Polanski vs The Police
    May 7 2026

    A series of arson attacks on synagogues and Jewish ambulances in the space of just a few weeks. Two terrorist attacks barely seven months apart: one in Manchester and then, last week, another in Golders Green, North London. In this episode, Andy & Neil look at why there have been so many antisemitic attacks and incidents in Britain in the last few months, and how police, security services and society as a whole can work together to tackle what has become a national crisis.

    Andy & Neil also both respond furiously to Green Party leader Zack Polanski's criticism of the police officers who arrested the suspected terrorist, and they explain what difference more funding will make to protecting the UK's Jewish community.

    Later, they're joined by former Prevent practitioner Charlotte Littlewood, who explains how the terror suspect would have slipped through the scheme's net when he was referred back in 2020.

    Follow us on social media: @thecrimeagents

    The Crime Agents is a Global production, available every Monday and Thursday on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

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    50 mins
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Great background to what you don’t get in the media with technical underpinning that supports the understanding of the police force and how process is carried out. Overall very well presented

Great technical and structural information

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love the insider perspective of crime in the UK. Highly recommended, must listen! Great work!

So interesting with incredible stories

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I am already hooked on this podcast I enjoyed the first two episodes so much I downloaded Neil's book and listened to that too. The right level of interest and suspence I highly recommend.

Really easy to listen to and super interesting

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