Podcast Summary: CrimeLess
Episode: Introducing: Kingdom of Fraud
Release Date: May 16, 2026
Host Networks: iHeartPodcasts and Smartless Media
Episode Overview
This teaser episode introduces Kingdom of Fraud, a new investigative podcast series fronted by award-winning journalist Michelle McPhee. In this first look, listeners get drawn into the bizarre true story of two unlikely partners—a socially awkward polygamist from Utah and a flashy Armenian businessman—who build a staggering fraud empire that culminates in one of the biggest tax investigations in U.S. history. The podcast promises wild characters, high-stakes crime, and a blend of humor and insight for true crime fans.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. The Genesis of a Remarkable Conspiracy
- Michelle McPhee lays the groundwork by detailing her background and initial skepticism, establishing the case’s uniqueness:
“In all my years reporting, this must be the strangest conspiracy I've ever come across.” (00:21)
2. The Odd Couple: Jacob and Levon
- Jacob: A social outcast even in his secluded polygamous Utah community
- Levon: Swaggering Armenian businessman, described as having a “very Scarface Persona” (00:34)
- Their differences set the stage for unlikely synergy—“an unlikely partnership. Two men from entirely different worlds united by an ambition to get filthy rich.” (01:30)
3. Building a Fraudulent Empire
- The heart of the scandal: multiple hidden bank accounts and millions siphoned from the U.S. Treasury.
“We found another bank account. And another bank account. And another bank account. Millions and millions of dollars stolen from the United States Treasury.” (00:58)
- The allure of the criminal lifestyle is noted: money, luxury cars, big houses (01:17).
4. Crime, Paranoia, and Drift into Danger
- As the stakes grow, so does paranoia:
“This is a story of con men and crooked cops, paranoia and revenge.” (01:17)
- Jacob is lured far from Utah into a world of risk and excess:
“Soon, Jacob would find himself far from the quiet plains of Utah in a dangerous new world, seduced by this lifestyle.” (01:09-01:15)
5. The Collapse and Backstabbing
- Tension and breakdown between the partners:
"Jacob told Levon, you're ruining my life." (01:49)
- The age-old truth: “there's a reason empires don't have two kings.” (01:46)
- Looming consequences as their alliance unravels under the spotlight of America’s largest tax investigation.
6. High Stakes and Real-World Consequences
- Potential for escape and unresolved threats:
“He's going to go to Turkey and never come back.” (01:59)
- A sense of panic and betrayal:
“You need to tell me what you know. Is somebody coming after me?” (02:05)
Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments
- Michelle McPhee: “In all my years reporting, this must be the strangest conspiracy I've ever come across.” (00:21)
- Michelle McPhee (on Levon): “He has a very Scarface Persona.” (00:34)
- Narrator: “Millions and millions of dollars stolen from the United States Treasury.” (00:58)
- Michelle McPhee: “But there's a reason empires don't have two kings.” (01:46)
- Jacob (reported): "You're ruining my life." (01:49)
- Anonymous interviewee: “You need to tell me what you know. Is somebody coming after me?” (02:05)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:01 – Setting the stakes: How a Utah polygamist and an Armenian businessman rose to Ferraris and fraud
- 00:21 – Michelle McPhee’s introduction and framing of the conspiracy
- 00:30-00:58 – Introduction of Jacob and Levon; contrasting personalities
- 00:58-01:09 – Discovery of the financial fraud: multiple bank accounts, millions stolen
- 01:15-01:26 – The escalation: luxury, paranoia, and the criminal underworld
- 01:46-01:53 – The falling out: “there’s a reason empires don’t have two kings”
- 01:59-02:05 – The aftermath: largest tax investigation, threats and escapes
Overall Tone and Takeaways
The preview captures Kingdom of Fraud’s mix of investigative depth, off-beat humor, and suspense, inviting audiences into a saga that seems wilder than fiction. Both informative and entertaining, the show promises not only outrageous stories but genuine insight into the lengths and limits of criminal ambition.
Listen to full episodes of Kingdom of Fraud wherever you get your podcasts.
