What to listen to next: World of Secrets

Summary

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Podcast Summary: The Hunter – What to Listen to Next: World of Secrets

Podcast: The Hunter (BBC Studios)
Host: Anaya Echo Hawk
Date: December 17, 2025
Featured Series: World of Secrets (Preview of Season 10: The Child Cancer Scam)

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Overview

In this special episode, The Hunter pivots from its gripping narrative of one mother’s relentless pursuit of justice to spotlighting another hard-hitting investigative series from BBC Studios: World of Secrets. This preview introduces listeners to the podcast's tenth season, The Child Cancer Scam, an exposé on a worldwide network exploiting the pain and desperation of families with children diagnosed with cancer.

The episode is a heartfelt invitation to follow more true crime and investigative reporting, connecting listeners with moving stories of survival, injustice, and the fight for truth.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Introduction to "World of Secrets" (00:00–00:34)

• Narrator invites listeners to explore World of Secrets, highlighting its global reach and investigative style similar to The Hunter.
• The newest season, The Child Cancer Scam, is introduced as an international investigation into scams targeting families of sick children.

“It uncovers stories from around the world and tells them like the Hunter, in gripping detail. There are nine seasons waiting for you, taking you from the US to India, Nigeria to the UAE. Delving deep into a world of secrets. Our new season, the child cancer scam is out now.” – Narrator (00:00)

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The Child Cancer Scam: Story Overview (00:34–01:09)

• Host Simi Jalaosho describes the emotional gut punch of a child’s cancer diagnosis and the subsequent financial strain.
• Begins to unravel how international charity offers can quickly turn to exploitation.

“It’s the sort of news every parent dreads... Your child is diagnosed with cancer.” – Simi Jalaosho (00:34)

• Real parents speak about being overwhelmed and desperate for help.
• Investigator calls the diagnosis “a death sentence.”

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The Mechanics of the Scam (01:09–01:53)

• Families are told that help will come if they produce videos of their children, who are often made to perform or appear more ill to increase donations.
• Emotional manipulation: fake crying is induced with menthol and onions to make the videos more convincing.

“They rubbed menthol ointment on his face and put onions in front of his eyes so that he would fake cry.” – Parent (01:46)

• Despite their efforts, families are told the fundraising was unsuccessful and receive no aid.

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The Exploitation Revealed (01:53–02:35)

• Investigation reveals millions have been raised from these videos, funds never returned to the families.
• Parent testimonies reveal hope turning to heartbreak as promised money fails to arrive.

“What these families don’t know is that these campaign videos are successful. Millions of dollars appear to have been raised.” – Simi Jalaosho (02:19)

• An investigator reflects on the cruelty of profiting from tragedy.

“It’s hard to imagine that people can really make money out of such tragedy.” – Investigator (02:30)

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Global Scope & Impact (02:35–03:16)

• Simi and the team traced the scam across continents: Colombia, Ukraine, the Philippines, Israel.
• Families speak of fear, urgency, and how the situation often feels unsafe.

“It’s taken me all over the world... Colombia, Ukraine, the Philippines and Israel.” – Simi Jalaosho (02:55)

• A parent describes fleeing for safety due to threats and intimidation.

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Human Cost and Urgent Need for Justice (03:16–04:16)

• Children voice their pleas directly to listeners, underscoring their vulnerability.
• Simi summarizes the stark reality: children are exploited “when they’re at their weakest.”
• Parents and investigators demand accountability.

“The point is, it’s wrong. It’s wrong and it has to stop. At some point, someone has to stop it.” – Investigator (04:04)

• Assembly-line nature of the scam: families are processed for their tragic stories to meet public demand and maximize profit.

“They work kind of like a conveyor belt. There is always a demand.” – Parent or Witness (03:55)

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Call to Action & Where to Listen (04:16–End)

• Simi urges listeners to follow the investigation and join the call for justice.
• Details on where to listen are provided, inviting engagement.

“World of Secrets, the Child Cancer Scam, is available now. Listen on the BBC app or wherever you get your podcasts.” – Simi Jalaosho (04:16)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “They rubbed menthol ointment on his face and put onions in front of his eyes so that he would fake cry.” – Parent (01:46)
• “It’s hard to imagine that people can really make money out of such tragedy.” – Investigator (02:30)
• “Children are being exploited when they’re at their weakest.” – Simi Jalaosho (03:16)
• “The point is, it’s wrong. It’s wrong and it has to stop.” – Investigator (04:04)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00–00:34 – Introduction to World of Secrets
• 00:34–01:09 – Diagnosis and Financial Crisis
• 01:09–01:53 – The Video Scam Unfolds
• 01:53–02:35 – The Exploitation and Deception Revealed
• 02:35–03:16 – Global Scope and Impact on Families
• 03:16–04:16 – Human Cost and Call for Justice
• 04:16–End – Where to listen and call to action

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Tone & Atmosphere

The episode maintains a serious, urgent, and empathetic tone, true to the gravity of the subject matter. First-hand voices and investigative reporting add a haunting personal dimension, echoing The Hunter’s commitment to impactful storytelling.

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Conclusion

This preview offers a sobering window into both the resilience of affected families and the tenacity of investigative journalists. For listeners of The Hunter seeking more harrowing, deeply reported true stories, World of Secrets – The Child Cancer Scam promises gripping narratives and a global search for justice.

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Transcript

[Narrator]

Thanks for listening to the Hunter. Are you looking for another incredible story? Try World of secrets. It's the BBC's Global Investigations podcast. It uncovers stories from around the world and tells them like the Hunter, in gripping detail. There are nine seasons waiting for you, taking you from the US to India, Nigeria to the uae. Delving deep into a world of secrets. Our new season, the the child cancer scam is out. Now, here's what it's about.

[Simi Jalaosho]

It's the sort of news every parent dreads.

[Parent]

We were lost. We didn't know what we were going to do. Our whole world crashed.

[Simi Jalaosho]

Your child is diagnosed with cancer.

[Investigator]

At that moment, I. I thought that was it. The end. A death sentence.

[Simi Jalaosho]

It also triggers a financial crisis.

[Parent]

We were faced with a very large bill. I really needed money for Khalil's treatment.

[Simi Jalaosho]

But then there's a ray of hope.

[Parent or Witness]

Listen, Jin, this opportunity comes only once, so let's make the most of it.

[Simi Jalaosho]

An international charity can can help raise money.

[Parent]

He just told us that the sponsor wasn't from around here and that all we would have to do is make a video to earn the money.

[Child Patient]

Hello, my name is Khalil. I am seven years old and I have cancer. I'm in a hospital and it hurt me a lot.

[Simi Jalaosho]

I want they know exactly what they want.

[Parent]

They rubbed menthol ointment on his face and put onions in front of his eyes so that he would fake cry.

[Simi Jalaosho]

But when the filming is over, the money never comes.

[Parent]

He told us it wasn't successful. So as I understood it, the video just didn't make any money.

[Simi Jalaosho]

What these families don't know is that these campaign videos are successful. Millions of dollars appear to have been raised.

[Investigator]

It's hard to imagine that people can really make money out of such tragedy.

[Simi Jalaosho]

I'm Simi Jalaosho and with a team of journalists around the world, I've spent two years investigating the people involved in.

[Investigator]

Anita, tell your dad to send me.

[Simi Jalaosho]

More photos of you. Why would you keep pushing for photos and videos? And why would you keep pushing a child? By the way, it's taken me all over the world. Colombia may collect your passport. Ukraine, the Philippines and Israel.

[Parent or Witness]

I also got scared, like when he said, leave in 10 minutes or it's going to be a mess. I also felt like we need to go because this is not a safe environment for us.

[Simi Jalaosho]

Children are being exploited when they're at their.

[Narrator]

They use Ana to raise funds for their own benefit, not for her.

[Child Patient]

I have no money for my treatment. I want to be a normal kid. I want to go to school. Please help me. Please.

[Simi Jalaosho]

This is World of Secrets, season 10, the Child Cancer Scam, a BBC World Service investigation into a global shape shifting network targeting children.

[Parent or Witness]

I hate to put it this way, but they work kind of like a conveyor belt. There is always a demand.

[Simi Jalaosho]

Now their parents are demanding answers.

[Investigator]

The point is, it's wrong. It's wrong and it has to stop. At some point, someone has to stop it.

[Simi Jalaosho]

World of Secrets, the child Cancer Scam, is available now. Listen on the BBC app or wherever you get your podcasts.