Episodes
| Episode | Title | First Broadcast | Repeated | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02 | To Catch A Scorpion , 1. Dangerous Journeys | 20240503 | 20240515 (R4) | This is the hunt for a people smuggler, codenamed Scorpion, one of the central characters controlling the transport of migrants from the European mainland into the UK. It is a tense and disturbing investigation, recorded as it happened, in real time. Barzan Majeed - codenamed Scorpion - leads the Scorpion gang. He's on international most-wanted lists. He started his criminal career in Britain and went on to build a smuggling empire which now spans the globe. An international police surveillance operation trapped more than 20 of his gang and almost netted Scorpion himself, but he was tipped off and escaped. BBC journalist Sue Mitchell, and former soldier and aid worker, Rob Lawrie, team up to try to do what the police have been unable to achieve: to find Scorpion, to speak to him, to ask him to account for his crimes and to seek justice for those families he has harmed. Their investigation takes them to the heart of an organised criminal gang making millions from transporting thousands of migrants on boat and lorry crossings that in some cases have gone dangerously wrong, causing serious injury and putting lives at risk. They witness his operation in action and record as intense situations unfold, where vulnerable people desperate for a better future, put their lives in the hands of ruthless and dangerous criminals. As they edge ever closer they meet the people helping and supporting Scorpion, they unpick the financial side of his business funding his luxury life, they start to understand the man himself and to garner enough clues to trace his whereabouts. To Catch a Scorpion is a BBC Studios Audio Production for BBC Radio 4 and is presented and recorded by Sue Mitchell and Rob Lawrie. The series is produced by Sue Mitchell, Winifred Robinson and Joel Moors The Editor is Philip Sellars Commissioning Editor is Daniel Clarke Commissioning Exec Tracy Williams Assistant Commissioner Podcasts/Digital, Will Drysdale Original music is by Mom Tudie and Sound Design is by Tom Brignell Recorded as it unfolds, the dramatic hunt for a people smuggler on the run from the law. A dramatic hunt for one of Europe's most-wanted people smugglers, recorded as it unfolds. Two seasoned investigators go on a search for one of Europe's most wanted men: a people smuggler on the run, whose codename is Scorpion. He has transported thousands of migrants. |
| 02 | To Catch a Scorpion: 1. Dangerous Journeys | 20240503 | 20240715 (R4) 20240515 (R4) | This is the hunt for a people smuggler, codenamed Scorpion, one of the central characters controlling the transport of migrants from the European mainland into the UK. It is a tense and disturbing investigation, recorded as it happened, in real time. Barzan Majeed - codenamed Scorpion - leads the Scorpion gang. He's on international most-wanted lists. He started his criminal career in Britain and went on to build a smuggling empire which now spans the globe. An international police surveillance operation trapped more than 20 of his gang and almost netted Scorpion himself, but he was tipped off and escaped. BBC journalist Sue Mitchell, and former soldier and aid worker, Rob Lawrie, team up to try to do what the police have been unable to achieve: to find Scorpion, to speak to him, to ask him to account for his crimes and to seek justice for those families he has harmed. Their investigation takes them to the heart of an organised criminal gang making millions from transporting thousands of migrants on boat and lorry crossings that in some cases have gone dangerously wrong, causing serious injury and putting lives at risk. They witness his operation in action and record as intense situations unfold, where vulnerable people desperate for a better future, put their lives in the hands of ruthless and dangerous criminals. As they edge ever closer they meet the people helping and supporting Scorpion, they unpick the financial side of his business funding his luxury life, they start to understand the man himself and to garner enough clues to trace his whereabouts. To Catch a Scorpion is a BBC Studios Audio Production for BBC Radio 4 and is presented and recorded by Sue Mitchell and Rob Lawrie. Recorded as it unfolds, the dramatic hunt for a people smuggler on the run from the law. A tragic kidnapping that shook Britain and launched a tabloid war. Two seasoned investigators go on a search for one of Europe's most wanted men: a people smuggler on the run, whose codename is Scorpion. He has transported thousands of migrants.
This is the hunt for a people smuggler, codenamed Scorpion, one of the central characters controlling the transport of migrants from the European mainland into the UK. It is a tense and disturbing investigation, recorded as it happened, in real time. Barzan Majeed - codenamed Scorpion - leads the Scorpion gang. He's on international most-wanted lists. He started his criminal career in Britain and went on to build a smuggling empire which now spans the globe. An international police surveillance operation trapped more than 20 of his gang and almost netted Scorpion himself, but he was tipped off and escaped. BBC journalist Sue Mitchell, and former soldier and aid worker, Rob Lawrie, team up to try to do what the police have been unable to achieve: to find Scorpion, to speak to him, to ask him to account for his crimes and to seek justice for those families he has harmed. Their investigation takes them to the heart of an organised criminal gang making millions from transporting thousands of migrants on boat and lorry crossings that in some cases have gone dangerously wrong, causing serious injury and putting lives at risk. They witness his operation in action and record as intense situations unfold, where vulnerable people desperate for a better future, put their lives in the hands of ruthless and dangerous criminals. As they edge ever closer they meet the people helping and supporting Scorpion, they unpick the financial side of his business funding his luxury life, they start to understand the man himself and to garner enough clues to trace his whereabouts. To Catch a Scorpion is a BBC Studios Audio Production for BBC Radio 4 and is presented and recorded by Sue Mitchell and Rob Lawrie. The series is produced by Sue Mitchell, Winifred Robinson and Joel Moors The Editor is Philip Sellars Commissioning Editor is Daniel Clarke Commissioning Exec Tracy Williams Assistant Commissioner Podcasts/Digital, Will Drysdale Original music is by Mom Tudie and Sound Design is by Tom Brignell Recorded as it unfolds, the dramatic hunt for a people smuggler on the run from the law. A tragic kidnapping that shook Britain and launched a tabloid war. Two seasoned investigators go on a search for one of Europe's most wanted men: a people smuggler on the run, whose codename is Scorpion. He has transported thousands of migrants. A dramatic hunt for one of Europe's most-wanted people smugglers, recorded as it unfolds. |
| 03 | To Catch A Scorpion , 2. Trading In People | 20240503 | 20240522 (R4) | Sue and Rob hear transcripts of police surveillance tapes, broadcast for the first time as officers eavesdrop on calls between members of the Scorpion people smuggling gang. Barzan Majeed - codenamed Scorpion - leads the Scorpion gang. He's on international most-wanted lists. He started his criminal career in Britain and went on to build a smuggling empire which now spans the globe. An international police surveillance operation trapped more than 20 of his gang and almost netted Scorpion himself, but he was tipped off and escaped. BBC journalist, Sue Mitchell, and former soldier and aid worker, Rob Lawrie, team up to try to do what the police have been unable to achieve: to find Scorpion, to speak to him, to ask him to account for his crimes and to seek justice to those families he has harmed. Their investigation takes them to the heart of an organised criminal gang making millions from transporting thousands of migrants on boat and lorry crossings that in some cases have gone dangerously wrong, causing serious injury and putting lives at risk. They witness his operation in action and record as intense situations unfold, where vulnerable people desperate for a better future, put their lives in the hands of ruthless and dangerous criminals. To Catch a Scorpion is a BBC Studios Audio Production for BBC Radio 4 and is presented and recorded by Sue Mitchell and Rob Lawrie. The series is produced by Sue Mitchell, Winifred Robinson and Joel Moors The Editor is Philip Sellars Commissioning Editor is Daniel Clarke Commissioning Exec Tracy Williams Assistant Commissioner Podcasts/Digital, Will Drysdale Original music is by Mom Tudie and Sound Design is by Tom Brignell Police secretly record conversations about smuggling as members of the Scorpion gang plot. A dramatic hunt for one of Europe's most-wanted people smugglers, recorded as it unfolds. In this episode we hear transcripts of police surveillance tapes broadcast for the first time as officers eavesdrop on calls between members of the Scorpion people smuggling gang. |
| 03 | To Catch a Scorpion: 2. Trading in People | 20240503 | 20240722 (R4) 20240522 (R4) | Sue and Rob hear transcripts of police surveillance tapes, broadcast for the first time as officers eavesdrop on calls between members of the Scorpion people smuggling gang. Barzan Majeed - codenamed Scorpion - leads the Scorpion gang. He's on international most-wanted lists. He started his criminal career in Britain and went on to build a smuggling empire which now spans the globe. An international police surveillance operation trapped more than 20 of his gang and almost netted Scorpion himself, but he was tipped off and escaped. BBC journalist, Sue Mitchell, and former soldier and aid worker, Rob Lawrie, team up to try to do what the police have been unable to achieve: to find Scorpion, to speak to him, to ask him to account for his crimes and to seek justice to those families he has harmed. Their investigation takes them to the heart of an organised criminal gang making millions from transporting thousands of migrants on boat and lorry crossings that in some cases have gone dangerously wrong, causing serious injury and putting lives at risk. They witness his operation in action and record as intense situations unfold, where vulnerable people desperate for a better future, put their lives in the hands of ruthless and dangerous criminals. To Catch a Scorpion is a BBC Studios Audio Production for BBC Radio 4 and is presented and recorded by Sue Mitchell and Rob Lawrie. Police secretly record conversations about smuggling as members of the Scorpion gang plot. A tragic kidnapping that shook Britain and launched a tabloid war. In this episode we hear transcripts of police surveillance tapes broadcast for the first time as officers eavesdrop on calls between members of the Scorpion people smuggling gang.
Sue and Rob hear transcripts of police surveillance tapes, broadcast for the first time as officers eavesdrop on calls between members of the Scorpion people smuggling gang. Barzan Majeed - codenamed Scorpion - leads the Scorpion gang. He's on international most-wanted lists. He started his criminal career in Britain and went on to build a smuggling empire which now spans the globe. An international police surveillance operation trapped more than 20 of his gang and almost netted Scorpion himself, but he was tipped off and escaped. BBC journalist, Sue Mitchell, and former soldier and aid worker, Rob Lawrie, team up to try to do what the police have been unable to achieve: to find Scorpion, to speak to him, to ask him to account for his crimes and to seek justice to those families he has harmed. Their investigation takes them to the heart of an organised criminal gang making millions from transporting thousands of migrants on boat and lorry crossings that in some cases have gone dangerously wrong, causing serious injury and putting lives at risk. They witness his operation in action and record as intense situations unfold, where vulnerable people desperate for a better future, put their lives in the hands of ruthless and dangerous criminals. To Catch a Scorpion is a BBC Studios Audio Production for BBC Radio 4 and is presented and recorded by Sue Mitchell and Rob Lawrie. The series is produced by Sue Mitchell, Winifred Robinson and Joel Moors The Editor is Philip Sellars Commissioning Editor is Daniel Clarke Commissioning Exec Tracy Williams Assistant Commissioner Podcasts/Digital, Will Drysdale Original music is by Mom Tudie and Sound Design is by Tom Brignell Police secretly record conversations about smuggling as members of the Scorpion gang plot. A tragic kidnapping that shook Britain and launched a tabloid war. In this episode we hear transcripts of police surveillance tapes broadcast for the first time as officers eavesdrop on calls between members of the Scorpion people smuggling gang. A dramatic hunt for one of Europe's most-wanted people smugglers, recorded as it unfolds. |
| 04 | To Catch A Scorpion , Ep 3. Satisfaction Guaranteed | 20240503 | 20240529 (R4) | It's already late when the BBC team get a tip off that Scorpion's network of complicit lorry drivers might be operating from a new pick-up point. They stay hidden as events unfold. Barzan Majeed - codenamed Scorpion - leads the Scorpion gang. He's on international most-wanted lists. He started his criminal career in Britain and went on to build a smuggling empire which now spans the globe. An international police surveillance operation trapped more than 20 of his gang and almost netted Scorpion himself, but he was tipped off and escaped. BBC journalist, Sue Mitchell, and former soldier and aid worker, Rob Lawrie, team up to try to do what the police have been unable to achieve: to find Scorpion, to speak to him, to ask him to account for his crimes and to seek justice to those families he has harmed. Their investigation takes them to the heart of an organised criminal gang making millions from transporting thousands of migrants on boat and lorry crossings that in some cases have gone dangerously wrong, causing serious injury and putting lives at risk. They witness his operation in action and record as intense situations unfold, where vulnerable people desperate for a better future, put their lives in the hands of ruthless and dangerous criminals. To Catch a Scorpion is a BBC Studios Audio Production for BBC Radio 4 and is presented and recorded by Sue Mitchell and Rob Lawrie. The series is produced by Sue Mitchell, Winifred Robinson and Joel Moors The Editor is Philip Sellars Commissioning Editor is Daniel Clarke Commissioning Exec Tracy Williams Assistant Commissioner Podcasts/Digital, Will Drysdale Original music is by Mom Tudie and Sound Design is by Tom Brignell Rob Lawrie and Sue Mitchell watch on as smugglers arrange a crossing in the dead of night. A dramatic hunt for one of Europe's most-wanted people smugglers, recorded as it unfolds. |
| 04 | To Catch a Scorpion: 3. Satisfaction Guaranteed | 20240503 | 20240729 (R4) 20240529 (R4) | It's already late when the BBC team get a tip off that Scorpion's network of complicit lorry drivers might be operating from a new pick-up point. They stay hidden as events unfold. Barzan Majeed - codenamed Scorpion - leads the Scorpion gang. He's on international most-wanted lists. He started his criminal career in Britain and went on to build a smuggling empire which now spans the globe. An international police surveillance operation trapped more than 20 of his gang and almost netted Scorpion himself, but he was tipped off and escaped. BBC journalist, Sue Mitchell, and former soldier and aid worker, Rob Lawrie, team up to try to do what the police have been unable to achieve: to find Scorpion, to speak to him, to ask him to account for his crimes and to seek justice to those families he has harmed. Their investigation takes them to the heart of an organised criminal gang making millions from transporting thousands of migrants on boat and lorry crossings that in some cases have gone dangerously wrong, causing serious injury and putting lives at risk. They witness his operation in action and record as intense situations unfold, where vulnerable people desperate for a better future, put their lives in the hands of ruthless and dangerous criminals. To Catch a Scorpion is a BBC Studios Audio Production for BBC Radio 4 and is presented and recorded by Sue Mitchell and Rob Lawrie. Rob Lawrie and Sue Mitchell watch on as smugglers arrange a crossing in the dead of night. A tragic kidnapping that shook Britain and launched a tabloid war. It's already late when the BBC team get a tip off that Scorpion's network of complicit lorry drivers might be operating from a new pick-up point. They stay hidden as events unfold.
It's already late when the BBC team get a tip off that Scorpion's network of complicit lorry drivers might be operating from a new pick-up point. They stay hidden as events unfold. Barzan Majeed - codenamed Scorpion - leads the Scorpion gang. He's on international most-wanted lists. He started his criminal career in Britain and went on to build a smuggling empire which now spans the globe. An international police surveillance operation trapped more than 20 of his gang and almost netted Scorpion himself, but he was tipped off and escaped. BBC journalist, Sue Mitchell, and former soldier and aid worker, Rob Lawrie, team up to try to do what the police have been unable to achieve: to find Scorpion, to speak to him, to ask him to account for his crimes and to seek justice to those families he has harmed. Their investigation takes them to the heart of an organised criminal gang making millions from transporting thousands of migrants on boat and lorry crossings that in some cases have gone dangerously wrong, causing serious injury and putting lives at risk. They witness his operation in action and record as intense situations unfold, where vulnerable people desperate for a better future, put their lives in the hands of ruthless and dangerous criminals. To Catch a Scorpion is a BBC Studios Audio Production for BBC Radio 4 and is presented and recorded by Sue Mitchell and Rob Lawrie. The series is produced by Sue Mitchell, Winifred Robinson and Joel Moors The Editor is Philip Sellars Commissioning Editor is Daniel Clarke Commissioning Exec Tracy Williams Assistant Commissioner Podcasts/Digital, Will Drysdale Original music is by Mom Tudie and Sound Design is by Tom Brignell Rob Lawrie and Sue Mitchell watch on as smugglers arrange a crossing in the dead of night. A tragic kidnapping that shook Britain and launched a tabloid war. A dramatic hunt for one of Europe's most-wanted people smugglers, recorded as it unfolds. |
| 05 | To Catch A Scorpion , 4. Dangerous Meddling | 20240510 | 20240605 (R4) | The job of policing smuggling gangs is obstructed by a network of well-wishers who want to help refugees and sometimes end up helping the gangs - has this happened with Scorpion? Barzan Majeed - codenamed Scorpion - leads the Scorpion gang. He's on international most-wanted lists. He started his criminal career in Britain and went on to build a smuggling empire which now spans the globe. An international police surveillance operation trapped more than twenty of his gang and almost netted Scorpion himself, but he was tipped off and escaped. BBC journalist, Sue Mitchell, and volunteer aid worker, Rob Lawrie, team up to try to do what the police have been unable to achieve: to find Scorpion, to speak to him, to ask him to account for his crimes and to seek justice to those families he has harmed. Their investigation takes them to the heart of an organised criminal gang making millions from transporting thousands of migrants on boat and lorry crossings that in some cases have gone dangerously wrong, causing serious injury and putting lives at risk. They witness his operation in action and record as intense situations unfold, where vulnerable people desperate for a better future, put their lives in the hands of ruthless and dangerous criminals. To Catch a Scorpion is a BBC Studios Audio Production for BBC Radio 4 and is presented and recorded by Sue Mitchell and Rob Lawrie. The series is produced by Sue Mitchell, Winifred Robinson and Joel Moors The Editor is Philip Sellars Commissioning Editor is Daniel Clarke Commissioning Exec Tracy Williams Assistant Commissioner Podcasts/Digital, Will Drysdale Original music is by Mom Tudie and Sound Design is by Tom Brignell How has a woman in a picturesque village become embroiled in illegal crossings to the UK? A dramatic hunt for one of Europe's most-wanted people smugglers, recorded as it unfolds. |
| 05 | To Catch A Scorpion: 4. Dangerous Meddling | 20240510 | 20240605 (R4) 20240805 (R4) | The job of policing smuggling gangs is obstructed by a network of well-wishers who want to help refugees and sometimes end up helping the gangs - has this happened with Scorpion? Barzan Majeed - codenamed Scorpion - leads the Scorpion gang. He's on international most-wanted lists. He started his criminal career in Britain and went on to build a smuggling empire which now spans the globe. An international police surveillance operation trapped more than twenty of his gang and almost netted Scorpion himself, but he was tipped off and escaped. BBC journalist, Sue Mitchell, and volunteer aid worker, Rob Lawrie, team up to try to do what the police have been unable to achieve: to find Scorpion, to speak to him, to ask him to account for his crimes and to seek justice to those families he has harmed. Their investigation takes them to the heart of an organised criminal gang making millions from transporting thousands of migrants on boat and lorry crossings that in some cases have gone dangerously wrong, causing serious injury and putting lives at risk. They witness his operation in action and record as intense situations unfold, where vulnerable people desperate for a better future, put their lives in the hands of ruthless and dangerous criminals. To Catch a Scorpion is a BBC Studios Audio Production for BBC Radio 4 and is presented and recorded by Sue Mitchell and Rob Lawrie. The series is produced by Sue Mitchell, Winifred Robinson and Joel Moors The Editor is Philip Sellars Commissioning Editor is Daniel Clarke Commissioning Exec Tracy Williams Assistant Commissioner Podcasts/Digital, Will Drysdale Original music is by Mom Tudie and Sound Design is by Tom Brignell How has a woman in a picturesque village become embroiled in illegal crossings to the UK? A tragic kidnapping that shook Britain and launched a tabloid war. " A dramatic hunt for one of Europe's most-wanted people smugglers, recorded as it unfolds. |
| 06 | To Catch A Scorpion , 5. A Scorpion's Nest | 20240510 | 20240612 (R4) | The search takes us deep into Scorpion's gang and the men arrested and imprisoned for people smuggling and then things take an unexpected turn as we find and confront his brother. Barzan Majeed - codenamed Scorpion - leads the Scorpion gang. He's on international most-wanted lists. He started his criminal career in Britain and went on to build a smuggling empire which now spans the globe. An international police surveillance operation trapped more than twenty of his gang and almost netted Scorpion himself, but he was tipped off and escaped. BBC journalist, Sue Mitchell, and former soldier and aid worker, Rob Lawrie, team up to try to do what the police have been unable to achieve: to find Scorpion, to speak to him, to ask him to account for his crimes and to seek justice to those families he has harmed. Their investigation takes them to the heart of an organised criminal gang making millions from transporting thousands of migrants on boat and lorry crossings that in some cases have gone dangerously wrong, causing serious injury and putting lives at risk. They witness his operation in action and record as intense situations unfold, where vulnerable people desperate for a better future, put their lives in the hands of ruthless and dangerous criminals. To Catch a Scorpion is a BBC Studios Audio Production for BBC Radio 4 and is presented and recorded by Sue Mitchell and Rob Lawrie. The series is produced by Sue Mitchell, Winifred Robinson and Joel Moors The Editor is Philip Sellars Commissioning Editor is Daniel Clarke Commissioning Exec Tracy Williams Assistant Commissioner Podcasts/Digital, Will Drysdale Original music is by Mom Tudie and Sound Design is by Tom Brignell If the BBC team can find members of the Scorpion gang might they part with what they know? A dramatic hunt for one of Europe's most-wanted people smugglers, recorded as it unfolds. |
| 06 | To Catch A Scorpion: 5. A Scorpion's Nest | 20240510 | 20240612 (R4) 20240812 (R4) | The search takes us deep into Scorpion's gang and the men arrested and imprisoned for people smuggling and then things take an unexpected turn as we find and confront his brother. Barzan Majeed - codenamed Scorpion - leads the Scorpion gang. He's on international most-wanted lists. He started his criminal career in Britain and went on to build a smuggling empire which now spans the globe. An international police surveillance operation trapped more than twenty of his gang and almost netted Scorpion himself, but he was tipped off and escaped. BBC journalist, Sue Mitchell, and former soldier and aid worker, Rob Lawrie, team up to try to do what the police have been unable to achieve: to find Scorpion, to speak to him, to ask him to account for his crimes and to seek justice to those families he has harmed. Their investigation takes them to the heart of an organised criminal gang making millions from transporting thousands of migrants on boat and lorry crossings that in some cases have gone dangerously wrong, causing serious injury and putting lives at risk. They witness his operation in action and record as intense situations unfold, where vulnerable people desperate for a better future, put their lives in the hands of ruthless and dangerous criminals. To Catch a Scorpion is a BBC Studios Audio Production for BBC Radio 4 and is presented and recorded by Sue Mitchell and Rob Lawrie. The series is produced by Sue Mitchell, Winifred Robinson and Joel Moors The Editor is Philip Sellars Commissioning Editor is Daniel Clarke Commissioning Exec Tracy Williams Assistant Commissioner Podcasts/Digital, Will Drysdale Original music is by Mom Tudie and Sound Design is by Tom Brignell If the BBC team can find members of the Scorpion gang might they part with what they know? A tragic kidnapping that shook Britain and launched a tabloid war. " A dramatic hunt for one of Europe's most-wanted people smugglers, recorded as it unfolds. |
| 07 | To Catch A Scorpion , 6. In Our Grasp | 20240510 | 20240619 (R4) | Word comes that Scorpion has been spotted in Turkey and new leads take the team into the heart of the smuggling network, with dramatic developments as they stake out an address. Barzan Majeed - codenamed Scorpion - leads the Scorpion gang. He's on international most-wanted lists. He started his criminal career in Britain and went on to build a smuggling empire which now spans the globe. An international police surveillance operation trapped more than twenty of his gang and almost netted Scorpion himself, but he was tipped off and escaped. BBC journalist, Sue Mitchell, and former soldier and aid worker, Rob Lawrie, team up to try to do what the police have been unable to achieve: to find Scorpion, to speak to him, to ask him to account for his crimes and to seek justice to those families he has harmed. Their investigation takes them to the heart of an organised criminal gang making millions from transporting thousands of migrants on boat and lorry crossings that in some cases have gone dangerously wrong, causing serious injury and putting lives at risk. They witness his operation in action and record as intense situations unfold, where vulnerable people desperate for a better future, put their lives in the hands of ruthless and dangerous criminals. To Catch a Scorpion is a BBC Studios Audio Production for BBC Radio 4 and is presented and recorded by Sue Mitchell and Rob Lawrie. The series is produced by Sue Mitchell, Winifred Robinson and Joel Moors The Editor is Philip Sellars Commissioning Editor is Daniel Clarke Commissioning Exec Tracy Williams Assistant Commissioner Podcasts/Digital, Will Drysdale Original music is by Mom Tudie and Sound Design is by Tom Brignell Rob and Sue are investigating Scorpion's links to Turkey when they discover a new lead. A dramatic hunt for one of Europe's most-wanted people smugglers, recorded as it unfolds. |
| 07 | To Catch A Scorpion: 6. In Our Grasp | 20240510 | 20240819 (R4) | Word comes that Scorpion has been spotted in Turkey and new leads take the team into the heart of the smuggling network, with dramatic developments as they stake out an address. Barzan Majeed - codenamed Scorpion - leads the Scorpion gang. He's on international most-wanted lists. He started his criminal career in Britain and went on to build a smuggling empire which now spans the globe. An international police surveillance operation trapped more than twenty of his gang and almost netted Scorpion himself, but he was tipped off and escaped. BBC journalist, Sue Mitchell, and former soldier and aid worker, Rob Lawrie, team up to try to do what the police have been unable to achieve: to find Scorpion, to speak to him, to ask him to account for his crimes and to seek justice to those families he has harmed. Their investigation takes them to the heart of an organised criminal gang making millions from transporting thousands of migrants on boat and lorry crossings that in some cases have gone dangerously wrong, causing serious injury and putting lives at risk. They witness his operation in action and record as intense situations unfold, where vulnerable people desperate for a better future, put their lives in the hands of ruthless and dangerous criminals. To Catch a Scorpion is a BBC Studios Audio Production for BBC Radio 4 and is presented and recorded by Sue Mitchell and Rob Lawrie. The series is produced by Sue Mitchell, Winifred Robinson and Joel Moors The Editor is Philip Sellars Commissioning Editor is Daniel Clarke Commissioning Exec Tracy Williams Assistant Commissioner Podcasts/Digital, Will Drysdale Original music is by Mom Tudie and Sound Design is by Tom Brignell Rob and Sue are investigating Scorpion's links to Turkey when they discover a new lead. A tragic kidnapping that shook Britain and launched a tabloid war. |
| 07 | To Catch A Scorpion: 6. In Our Grasp | 20240510 | 20240619 (R4) | Word comes that Scorpion has been spotted in Turkey and new leads take the team into the heart of the smuggling network, with dramatic developments as they stake out an address. Barzan Majeed - codenamed Scorpion - leads the Scorpion gang. He's on international most-wanted lists. He started his criminal career in Britain and went on to build a smuggling empire which now spans the globe. An international police surveillance operation trapped more than twenty of his gang and almost netted Scorpion himself, but he was tipped off and escaped. BBC journalist, Sue Mitchell, and former soldier and aid worker, Rob Lawrie, team up to try to do what the police have been unable to achieve: to find Scorpion, to speak to him, to ask him to account for his crimes and to seek justice to those families he has harmed. Their investigation takes them to the heart of an organised criminal gang making millions from transporting thousands of migrants on boat and lorry crossings that in some cases have gone dangerously wrong, causing serious injury and putting lives at risk. They witness his operation in action and record as intense situations unfold, where vulnerable people desperate for a better future, put their lives in the hands of ruthless and dangerous criminals. To Catch a Scorpion is a BBC Studios Audio Production for BBC Radio 4 and is presented and recorded by Sue Mitchell and Rob Lawrie. The series is produced by Sue Mitchell, Winifred Robinson and Joel Moors The Editor is Philip Sellars Commissioning Editor is Daniel Clarke Commissioning Exec Tracy Williams Assistant Commissioner Podcasts/Digital, Will Drysdale Original music is by Mom Tudie and Sound Design is by Tom Brignell Rob and Sue are investigating Scorpion's links to Turkey when they discover a new lead. A tragic kidnapping that shook Britain and launched a tabloid war. A dramatic hunt for one of Europe's most-wanted people smugglers, recorded as it unfolds. |
| 08 | To Catch A Scorpion: 7. Buried Deep | 20240510 | 20240626 (R4) | Sue and Rob uncover new evidence linking Scorpion to deaths at sea. They track him to a luxury seaside villa and hear from a woman close to him about the drugs and money he craved. Barzan Majeed - codenamed Scorpion - leads the Scorpion gang. He's on international most-wanted lists. He started his criminal career in Britain and went on to build a smuggling empire which now spans the globe. An international police surveillance operation trapped more than twenty of his gang and almost netted Scorpion himself, but he was tipped off and escaped. BBC journalist, Sue Mitchell, and former soldier and aid worker, Rob Lawrie, team up to try to do what the police have been unable to achieve: to find Scorpion, to speak to him, to ask him to account for his crimes and to seek justice to those families he has harmed. Their investigation takes them to the heart of an organised criminal gang making millions from transporting thousands of migrants on boat and lorry crossings that in some cases have gone dangerously wrong, causing serious injury and putting lives at risk. They witness his operation in action and record as intense situations unfold, where vulnerable people desperate for a better future, put their lives in the hands of ruthless and dangerous criminals. To Catch a Scorpion is a BBC Studios Audio Production for BBC Radio 4 and is presented and recorded by Sue Mitchell and Rob Lawrie. The series is produced by Sue Mitchell, Winifred Robinson and Joel Moors The Editor is Philip Sellars Commissioning Editor is Daniel Clarke Assistant Exec Tracy Williams Assistant Commissioner Podcasts/Digital, Will Drysdale Original music is by Mom Tudie and Sound Design is by Tom Brignell New evidence about Scorpion's lifestyle in Turkey could provide vital clues to find him. A dramatic hunt for one of Europe's most-wanted people smugglers, recorded as it unfolds. A tragic kidnapping that shook Britain and launched a tabloid war. |
| 08 | To Catch A Scorpion: 7. Buried Deep | 20240510 | 20240826 (R4) | Sue and Rob uncover new evidence linking Scorpion to deaths at sea. They track him to a luxury seaside villa and hear from a woman close to him about the drugs and money he craved. Barzan Majeed - codenamed Scorpion - leads the Scorpion gang. He's on international most-wanted lists. He started his criminal career in Britain and went on to build a smuggling empire which now spans the globe. An international police surveillance operation trapped more than twenty of his gang and almost netted Scorpion himself, but he was tipped off and escaped. BBC journalist, Sue Mitchell, and former soldier and aid worker, Rob Lawrie, team up to try to do what the police have been unable to achieve: to find Scorpion, to speak to him, to ask him to account for his crimes and to seek justice to those families he has harmed. Their investigation takes them to the heart of an organised criminal gang making millions from transporting thousands of migrants on boat and lorry crossings that in some cases have gone dangerously wrong, causing serious injury and putting lives at risk. They witness his operation in action and record as intense situations unfold, where vulnerable people desperate for a better future, put their lives in the hands of ruthless and dangerous criminals. To Catch a Scorpion is a BBC Studios Audio Production for BBC Radio 4 and is presented and recorded by Sue Mitchell and Rob Lawrie. The series is produced by Sue Mitchell, Winifred Robinson and Joel Moors The Editor is Philip Sellars Commissioning Editor is Daniel Clarke Assistant Exec Tracy Williams Assistant Commissioner Podcasts/Digital, Will Drysdale Original music is by Mom Tudie and Sound Design is by Tom Brignell New evidence about Scorpion's lifestyle in Turkey could provide vital clues to find him. A tragic kidnapping that shook Britain and launched a tabloid war. |
| 09 | To Catch A Scorpion: 8. The Final Sting | 20240510 | 20240703 (R4) | Scorpion has been spotted in Iraq and Sue and Rob head straight there - hoping to find his hiding place and lure him out. Will they finally be able to confront him with his crimes? Barzan Majeed - codenamed Scorpion - leads the Scorpion gang. He's on international most-wanted lists. He started his criminal career in Britain and went on to build a smuggling empire which now spans the globe. An international police surveillance operation trapped more than twenty of his gang and almost netted Scorpion himself, but he was tipped off and escaped. BBC journalist, Sue Mitchell, and former soldier and aid worker, Rob Lawrie, team up to try to do what the police have been unable to achieve: to find Scorpion, to speak to him, to ask him to account for his crimes and to seek justice to those families he has harmed. Their investigation takes them to the heart of an organised criminal gang making millions from transporting thousands of migrants on boat and lorry crossings that in some cases have gone dangerously wrong, causing serious injury and putting lives at risk. They witness his operation in action and record as intense situations unfold, where vulnerable people desperate for a better future, put their lives in the hands of ruthless and dangerous criminals. To Catch a Scorpion is a BBC Studios Audio Production for BBC Radio 4 and is presented and recorded by Sue Mitchell and Rob Lawrie. The series is produced by Sue Mitchell, Winifred Robinson and Joel Moors The Editor is Philip Sellars Commissioning Editor is Daniel Clarke Assistant Exec Tracy Williams Assistant Commissioner Podcasts/Digital, Will Drysdale Original music is by Mom Tudie and Sound Design is by Tom Brignell Rob and Sue think they've spotted Scorpion - will they finally confront him face to face? A tragic kidnapping that shook Britain and launched a tabloid war. A dramatic hunt for one of Europe's most-wanted people smugglers, recorded as it unfolds. |
| 09 | To Catch A Scorpion: 8. The Final Sting | 20240510 | 20240902 (R4) | Scorpion has been spotted in Iraq and Sue and Rob head straight there - hoping to find his hiding place and lure him out. Will they finally be able to confront him with his crimes? Barzan Majeed - codenamed Scorpion - leads the Scorpion gang. He's on international most-wanted lists. He started his criminal career in Britain and went on to build a smuggling empire which now spans the globe. An international police surveillance operation trapped more than twenty of his gang and almost netted Scorpion himself, but he was tipped off and escaped. BBC journalist, Sue Mitchell, and former soldier and aid worker, Rob Lawrie, team up to try to do what the police have been unable to achieve: to find Scorpion, to speak to him, to ask him to account for his crimes and to seek justice to those families he has harmed. Their investigation takes them to the heart of an organised criminal gang making millions from transporting thousands of migrants on boat and lorry crossings that in some cases have gone dangerously wrong, causing serious injury and putting lives at risk. They witness his operation in action and record as intense situations unfold, where vulnerable people desperate for a better future, put their lives in the hands of ruthless and dangerous criminals. To Catch a Scorpion is a BBC Studios Audio Production for BBC Radio 4 and is presented and recorded by Sue Mitchell and Rob Lawrie. The series is produced by Sue Mitchell, Winifred Robinson and Joel Moors The Editor is Philip Sellars Commissioning Editor is Daniel Clarke Assistant Exec Tracy Williams Assistant Commissioner Podcasts/Digital, Will Drysdale Original music is by Mom Tudie and Sound Design is by Tom Brignell Rob and Sue think they've spotted Scorpion - will they finally confront him face to face? A tragic kidnapping that shook Britain and launched a tabloid war. Scorpion has been spotted in Iraq and Sue and Rob head straight there, hoping to find his hiding place and lure him out. Will they finally be able to confront him with his crimes? |
| 09 | To Catch A Scorpion: Ep 8. The Final Sting | 20240510 | 20240902 (R4) | Scorpion has been spotted in Iraq and Sue and Rob head straight there - hoping to find his hiding place and lure him out. Will they finally be able to confront him with his crimes? Barzan Majeed - codenamed Scorpion - leads the Scorpion gang. He's on international most-wanted lists. He started his criminal career in Britain and went on to build a smuggling empire which now spans the globe. An international police surveillance operation trapped more than twenty of his gang and almost netted Scorpion himself, but he was tipped off and escaped. BBC journalist, Sue Mitchell, and former soldier and aid worker, Rob Lawrie, team up to try to do what the police have been unable to achieve: to find Scorpion, to speak to him, to ask him to account for his crimes and to seek justice to those families he has harmed. Their investigation takes them to the heart of an organised criminal gang making millions from transporting thousands of migrants on boat and lorry crossings that in some cases have gone dangerously wrong, causing serious injury and putting lives at risk. They witness his operation in action and record as intense situations unfold, where vulnerable people desperate for a better future, put their lives in the hands of ruthless and dangerous criminals. To Catch a Scorpion is a BBC Studios Audio Production for BBC Radio 4 and is presented and recorded by Sue Mitchell and Rob Lawrie. The series is produced by Sue Mitchell, Winifred Robinson and Joel Moors The Editor is Philip Sellars Commissioning Editor is Daniel Clarke Assistant Exec Tracy Williams Assistant Commissioner Podcasts/Digital, Will Drysdale Original music is by Mom Tudie and Sound Design is by Tom Brignell Rob and Sue think they've spotted Scorpion - will they finally confront him face to face? A tragic kidnapping that shook Britain and launched a tabloid war. Scorpion has been spotted in Iraq and Sue and Rob head straight there, hoping to find his hiding place and lure him out. Will they finally be able to confront him with his crimes? |
| 10 | To Catch A Scorpion, 9. A Sting In The Tail | 20240710 | Barzan Majeed thought he was safe in Iraq but all that changes following the release of this series. Police and prosecutors in Iraq start their own investigation and before long they announce dramatic developments. For reporter Sue Mitchell, and her colleague, former soldier and aid worker, Rob Lawrie, the news signals possibilities for securing justice for some of those harmed in boat and lorry crossings. This a bonus episode which covers developments following this BBC investigation. In the Kurdish controlled areas of Northern Iraq, Barzan Majeed's smuggling operations come under intense scrutiny. The Deputy Prime Minister, Qubad Talabani, tells the programme that he hopes for a closer working relationship with Europe when it comes to tackling this problem. He has met with bereaved relatives and seen the pain and loss that comes with migrant journeys at the hands of smugglers like Scorpion. For the UK's National Crime Agency, the developments signal a real possibility of securing justice for some of the families who have suffered. This is also a chance to progress international links that could result in further arrests. There are other cases like Barzan's - where smugglers have been tried in their absence by courts in Europe after escaping arrest and returning to Iraq. Those names have now been passed to the authorities in Iraq. To Catch a Scorpion is a BBC Studios Audio Production for BBC Radio 4 and is presented and recorded by Sue Mitchell and Rob Lawrie. The series is produced by Sue Mitchell, Winifred Robinson and Joel Moors The Editor is Philip Sellars Commissioning Editor is Daniel Clarke Assistant Exec Tracy Williams Assistant Commissioner Podcasts/Digital, Will Drysdale Original music is by Mom Tudie and Sound Design is by Tom Brignell Things move quickly following the release of this series and Scorpion has nowhere to hide. A tragic kidnapping that shook Britain and launched a tabloid war. The series attracts worldwide publicity and attention falls on how the BBC managed to do what law agencies couldn't: finding and questioning a convicted people smuggler on the run. | |
| 10 | To Catch A Scorpion: 9. A Sting In The Tail | 20240710 | 20240909 (R4) | Barzan Majeed thought he was safe in Iraq but all that changes following the release of this series. Police and prosecutors in Iraq start their own investigation and before long they announce dramatic developments. For reporter Sue Mitchell, and her colleague, former soldier and aid worker, Rob Lawrie, the news signals possibilities for securing justice for some of those harmed in boat and lorry crossings. This a bonus episode which covers developments following this BBC investigation. In the Kurdish controlled areas of Northern Iraq, Barzan Majeed's smuggling operations come under intense scrutiny. The Deputy Prime Minister, Qubad Talabani, tells the programme that he hopes for a closer working relationship with Europe when it comes to tackling this problem. He has met with bereaved relatives and seen the pain and loss that comes with migrant journeys at the hands of smugglers like Scorpion. For the UK's National Crime Agency, the developments signal a real possibility of securing justice for some of the families who have suffered. This is also a chance to progress international links that could result in further arrests. There are other cases like Barzan's - where smugglers have been tried in their absence by courts in Europe after escaping arrest and returning to Iraq. Those names have now been passed to the authorities in Iraq. To Catch a Scorpion is a BBC Studios Audio Production for BBC Radio 4 and is presented and recorded by Sue Mitchell and Rob Lawrie. The series is produced by Sue Mitchell, Winifred Robinson and Joel Moors The Editor is Philip Sellars Commissioning Editor is Daniel Clarke Assistant Exec Tracy Williams Assistant Commissioner Podcasts/Digital, Will Drysdale Original music is by Mom Tudie and Sound Design is by Tom Brignell Things move quickly following the release of this series and Scorpion has nowhere to hide. A tragic kidnapping that shook Britain and launched a tabloid war. The series attracts worldwide publicity and attention falls on how the BBC managed to do what law agencies couldn't: finding and questioning a convicted people smuggler on the run |
| 10 | To Catch A Scorpion: 9. A Sting In The Tail | 20240710 | Barzan Majeed thought he was safe in Iraq but all that changes following the release of this series. Police and prosecutors in Iraq start their own investigation and before long they announce dramatic developments. For reporter Sue Mitchell, and her colleague, former soldier and aid worker, Rob Lawrie, the news signals possibilities for securing justice for some of those harmed in boat and lorry crossings. This a bonus episode which covers developments following this BBC investigation. In the Kurdish controlled areas of Northern Iraq, Barzan Majeed's smuggling operations come under intense scrutiny. The Deputy Prime Minister, Qubad Talabani, tells the programme that he hopes for a closer working relationship with Europe when it comes to tackling this problem. He has met with bereaved relatives and seen the pain and loss that comes with migrant journeys at the hands of smugglers like Scorpion. For the UK's National Crime Agency, the developments signal a real possibility of securing justice for some of the families who have suffered. This is also a chance to progress international links that could result in further arrests. There are other cases like Barzan's - where smugglers have been tried in their absence by courts in Europe after escaping arrest and returning to Iraq. Those names have now been passed to the authorities in Iraq. To Catch a Scorpion is a BBC Studios Audio Production for BBC Radio 4 and is presented and recorded by Sue Mitchell and Rob Lawrie. The series is produced by Sue Mitchell, Winifred Robinson and Joel Moors The Editor is Philip Sellars Commissioning Editor is Daniel Clarke Assistant Exec Tracy Williams Assistant Commissioner Podcasts/Digital, Will Drysdale Original music is by Mom Tudie and Sound Design is by Tom Brignell Things move quickly following the release of this series and Scorpion has nowhere to hide A tragic kidnapping that shook Britain and launched a tabloid war. The series attracts worldwide publicity and attention falls on how the BBC managed to do what law agencies couldn't: finding and questioning a convicted people smuggler on the run. " Barzan Majeed thought he was safe in Iraq but all that changes following the release of this series. Police and prosecutors in Iraq start their own investigation and before long they announce dramatic developments. For reporter Sue Mitchell, and her colleague, former soldier and aid worker, Rob Lawrie, the news signals possibilities for securing justice for some of those harmed in boat and lorry crossings. This a bonus episode which covers developments following this BBC investigation. In the Kurdish controlled areas of Northern Iraq, Barzan Majeed's smuggling operations come under intense scrutiny. The Deputy Prime Minister, Qubad Talabani, tells the programme that he hopes for a closer working relationship with Europe when it comes to tackling this problem. He has met with bereaved relatives and seen the pain and loss that comes with migrant journeys at the hands of smugglers like Scorpion. For the UK's National Crime Agency, the developments signal a real possibility of securing justice for some of the families who have suffered. This is also a chance to progress international links that could result in further arrests. There are other cases like Barzan's - where smugglers have been tried in their absence by courts in Europe after escaping arrest and returning to Iraq. Those names have now been passed to the authorities in Iraq. To Catch a Scorpion is a BBC Studios Audio Production for BBC Radio 4 and is presented and recorded by Sue Mitchell and Rob Lawrie. The series is produced by Sue Mitchell, Winifred Robinson and Joel Moors The Editor is Philip Sellars Commissioning Editor is Daniel Clarke Assistant Exec Tracy Williams Assistant Commissioner Podcasts/Digital, Will Drysdale Original music is by Mom Tudie and Sound Design is by Tom Brignell Things move quickly following the release of this series and Scorpion has nowhere to hide A tragic kidnapping that shook Britain and launched a tabloid war. The series attracts worldwide publicity and attention falls on how the BBC managed to do what law agencies couldn't: finding and questioning a convicted people smuggler on the run. Barzan Majeed thought he was safe in Iraq but all that changes following the release of this series. Authorities in Iraq start their own investigation and before long they announce dramatic developments. For reporter Sue Mitchell, and her colleague, former soldier and aid worker, Rob Lawrie, the news signals possibilities for securing justice for some of those harmed in his boat and lorry crossings. This a bonus episode which covers developments following this BBC investigation. In the Kurdish controlled areas of Northern Iraq Barzan Majeed's smuggling operations come under intense scrutiny. The Deputy Prime Minister, Qubad Talabani, tells the programme that he hopes for a closer working relationship with Europe when it comes to tracking and dealing with smugglers like Scorpion. For the UK's National Crime Agency the developments signal a real possibility of securing justice for families who have suffered. This is also a chance to progress links with Iraq that might help in other cases. There are more cases like Barzan's – where smugglers have been tried in their absence by courts in Europe but have evaded capture and are thought to be still operating. Those names have now also been passed to authorities in Iraq. Things move quickly following the release of this series and Scorpion has nowhere to hide. A dramatic hunt for one of Europe's most-wanted people smugglers, recorded as it unfolds. |