Infamous Podcast Summary: “Encore: Dubai's Missing Princesses I Part 2”

Episode Details

• Title: Encore: Dubai's Missing Princesses I Part 2
• Release Date: February 6, 2025
• Hosts: Vanessa Grigoriadas, Gabriel Sherman, Natalie Robehmed
• Production: Campside Media & Sony Music Entertainment

Introduction

In this gripping second part of the “Dubai's Missing Princesses” series, Vanessa Gregoriadas and Natalie Robomed delve deeper into the harrowing escape attempt of Princess Latifa from Dubai. Building on the foundation laid in the previous episode, the hosts provide an intricate narrative of courage, betrayal, and international intrigue surrounding one of the Arab world's most controversial figures.

Background: Tina Yauhiainen and Herve Joubert

Tina Yauhiainen:
Tina Yauhiainen, a Finnish Capra instructor, found herself entangled in Dubai's royal complexities while teaching Sheikha Latifa. Originally in Dubai for its high standard of living, Tina's life took a dramatic turn when she became instrumental in Latifa's escape plan.

Herve Joubert:
*Herve Joubert, a submarine engineer working for Dubai World's government-owned conglomerate, became a pivotal figure in the escape. Allegedly facing embezzlement charges, Joubert's past was shrouded in controversy. He later claimed, "Heve was cunning. He dressed like an Emirati woman in a long black robe called an abaya, which covered him from head to toe" (01:47).

The Escape Plan

Planning the Break:
In February 2018, at La Sere café in downtown Dubai, Latifa and Tina initiated their daring escape. Vanessa paints a vivid picture: “Women with designer handbags sipping lattes, men in their traditional white robes, dishes dashes in Arabic...” (03:02).

Journey to Muscat and the Yacht Nostromo:
Leaving behind her cell phone, Latifa and Tina drove to Muscat, Oman, before boarding the yacht Nostromo, piloted by Herve Joubert. The yacht, named after the spaceship from the movie "Alien," symbolized their hope for freedom (05:07).

Challenges at Sea

Pursuit and Interception:
As they sailed towards India, their boat was relentlessly followed. "We had been followed by a small boat for three days," recalls Herve Joubert (09:04). The tension peaked when Indian commandos began intercepting them, leading to chaotic confrontations on the deck.

Capture and Interrogation:
Princess Latifa was forcibly taken by Indian special forces while Tina was left to face intense interrogation. Tina was accused of being part of an elaborate kidnapping plot: "They were trying to find out was the bigger plan who was behind it all" (13:16).

Latifa's Viral Video

The Recorded Plea:
Anticipating potential capture, Latifa had secretly recorded a video detailing her plight. This footage became a crucial piece of evidence that later went viral, capturing global attention. Louise Callaghan, Middle East correspondent for the Sunday Times of London, shared her reaction: “If you are watching this video, it's not such a good thing..." (15:35).

Global Impact:
The video spurred international outrage, with the United Nations demanding proof of Latifa's well-being. Public demonstrations, like the banner over the 2018 Kentucky Derby, amplified the call: “Dubai, where is Princess Latifa now?” (19:10).

Conflicting Narratives and Aftermath

Allegations of Extortion:
In May 2018, Delhi Beast published an article alleging that Latifa's escape was a staged extortion scheme orchestrated by Joubert. These claims, however, were vehemently denied by Joubert: “Why would you give credit to a former bitter ex-wife who knew nothing about this operation?” (20:26).

Sheikh Mohammed's Silence:
Throughout the ordeal, Sheikh Mohammed remained predominantly silent, a strategic move that only fueled speculation and mistrust among the international community. The lack of transparent communication from the royal family intensified global skepticism regarding Latifa's fate (22:19).

Notable Quotes

• Herve Joubert on the Journey:
  “The sea was really rough at that time, so it's definitely a journey I'm not going to forget ever.” (04:53)

• Princess Latifa's Final Message:
  “I think it's time that he faces the consequences of all the things that he's done in his life. He will, he will definitely face the consequences no matter what he does to me.” (17:28)

• Louise Callaghan on Latifa's Video:
  “He's the most evil person I've ever met in my life.” (15:35)

• Louise Callaghan on the Royal Family's Response:
  “The idea of someone in the family coming out and saying something like this, it was just unimaginable completely.” (16:56)

Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

The episode concludes with unresolved tensions and unanswered questions about Princess Latifa's ultimate fate. The tangled web of international politics, personal vendettas, and the fight for freedom leaves listeners eager for the next installment. Vanessa hints at deeper revelations to come: “Next week on Infamous, she's troubled” (22:14).

Production Credits

This episode of Infamous was created and executive produced by Gabriel Sherman and Vanessa Grigoriadas, with contributions from Natalie Robomed, Heather Schwering, Natalia Winkelman, Lily Houston Smith, Grace Heuerman, and others. The production team meticulously fact-checked the series to ensure accuracy and depth in storytelling.

Stay Connected

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This summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key events, personal accounts, and the intricate dynamics surrounding Princess Latifa's escape attempt. Notable quotes provide authenticity and depth, offering listeners a comprehensive overview without needing to tune in.