Big Time Podcast Summary: "Crime Stings | Episode 6"
Introduction
In the gripping sixth episode of Big Time, hosted by Steve Buscemi, listeners delve into the unsettling surge of bee thefts impacting beekeepers across California's Central Valley. This episode, released on April 28, 2025, uncovers the intricate web of motives and methods behind these audacious crimes, spotlighting the victims, the perpetrators, and the relentless pursuit for justice.
The Plight of the Bees: A Declining Industry
The episode opens with Sam Mullins exploring the fragile state of bee populations, essential pollinators whose decline poses a significant threat to agriculture. Contrary to the common perception, bees rarely sting unless provoked or threatened. Beekeeper Steve Godlin encapsulates this delicate balance:
"Take care of your bees and the bees will take care of you." [02:14]
However, factors like climate change, parasitic mites, GMO crops, and the rampant use of pesticides have pushed bee mortality rates to alarming heights. Lloyd Cuniff, a third-generation beekeeper from Montana—the "premium honey-producing" region of the United States—shares his insights:
"Nowadays, the bees don't have that ability to bounce back. If anything bad happens to them, they're done." [04:58]
Lloyd Cuniff's Desperate Gamble
Facing dwindling honey yields and financial strain in 2016, Lloyd contemplates retiring until a lucrative opportunity arises: pollinating almond orchards in California. Rowdy Freeman explains the migratory beekeeping industry's dynamics:
"If you're good at caring for your bees in different places and you're comfortable living life on the road, you can make really good money renting out your bees." [05:54]
Tempted by a $100,000 contract, Lloyd transports his 488 hives to California. The initial success gives way to disaster when, upon returning, he discovers his entire bee shipment has vanished under the cover of the notorious tule fog.
The Surge of Hive Thefts
Lloyd's case is not isolated. Beekeepers like Steve Godlin recount similar thefts, with mortality rates soaring from the usual 10-15% to as high as 80%. Detective Andreas Solis labels hive theft as a "perfect crime" due to its clandestine nature and the lack of identifiable markers on bees:
"It's a very difficult case to investigate. I describe it as a perfect crime." [16:24]
Rowdy Freeman, both a beekeeper and detective, emphasizes the challenge:
"They go in with a 17 foot flatbed. They can look load 96 hives with a forklift... It's a very difficult crime to prevent." [20:22]
The Investigation Unfolds
As thefts escalate, Lloyd joins forces with other affected beekeepers and Detective Solis to track down the culprits. A breakthrough occurs when a Missouri beekeeper inadvertently exposes the thieves during a Facetime call:
"I get lucky because through the paint, you could see a phone number. And I called that phone number... These hives belonged to our victim." [23:38]
This leads to the apprehension of Pavel Tavertnov and Vitaly Yurashchenko. However, the case lacks concrete evidence, relying heavily on circumstantial factors. Ryan Friedman, representing Yurashchenko, highlights the challenges in securing a conviction:
"There was no strong evidence that definitively proved that they had taken these hives." [33:17]
Tragically, Pavel Tavertnov passes away, and Yurashchenko eventually pleads no contest, receiving a sentence of 45 days on house arrest and $13,000 in restitution.
Aftermath and Lingering Threats
Despite the arrests, hive thefts initially decline, suggesting the dismantling of a significant operation. Detective Solis remarks on the cyclical nature of crime:
"I just think it's a revolving door. You take one person out and another one steps in." [36:08]
By 2022, thefts surge again, indicating that the underlying issues remain unresolved. Beekeepers like Lloyd continue their vigilant efforts to protect their hives, rebuilding their operations while remaining wary of future threats.
Conclusion
"Crime Stings | Episode 6" of Big Time masterfully uncovers the lesser-known crisis of bee thefts, illustrating its profound impact on the beekeeping community and the broader agricultural sector. Through personal stories, expert insights, and investigative undertones, the episode paints a vivid picture of resilience amidst adversity, spotlighting the ongoing battle to safeguard these indispensable pollinators.
Notable Quotes:
-
Steve Godlin on Bee Care:
"Take care of your bees and the bees will take care of you." [02:14] -
Lloyd Cuniff on Bee Fragility:
"Nowadays, the bees don't have that ability to bounce back. If anything bad happens to them, they're done." [04:58] -
Rowdy Freeman on Migratory Beekeeping:
"If you're good at caring for your bees in different places and you're comfortable living life on the road, you can make really good money renting out your bees." [05:54] -
Detective Andreas Solis on Hive Theft:
"It's a very difficult case to investigate. I describe it as a perfect crime." [16:24] -
Ryan Friedman on Legal Challenges:
"There was no strong evidence that definitively proved that they had taken these hives." [33:17] -
Detective Solis on Crime Persistence:
"I just think it's a revolving door. You take one person out and another one steps in." [36:08]
Production Credits:
This episode was written by Sam Mullins and produced by Lindsey Kilbride, with original reporting by Josh Dean. The production team includes Audrey Quinn (story editor), Lane Rose (showrunner and managing producer), Amy Padula, Rajiv Gaula, Morgan Jaffe, and associate producer Dania Abdelamed. Fact-checking was handled by Mary Mathis, with sound design by Shawnee Aviram. The theme was composed by Nicholas Principe and Peter Silberman of Spatial Relations.
Listen to More:
Stay tuned for the next episode of Big Time, where Steve Buscemi teases another enthralling tale: "She's beauty, she's grace. She's stupendous. Shirley S."