Sea of Lies from Uncover
Episode S32 E2: When Ron Met Ron
Release Date: January 27, 2025
Host: Sam Mullins (CBC)

Introduction: A Mysterious Discovery

In this gripping episode of Sea of Lies from CBC's Uncover, award-winning podcaster Sam Mullins delves into the perplexing case of Ronald Platt—a con man whose web of lies spans continents and decades. The story begins with an unexpected discovery that shakes the foundations of a small Essex village and propels a high-stakes investigation to its limits.

The Discovery of Two Ronald Platts

The mystery starts when a body is retrieved from the ocean in Devon, raising suspicions about its nature—originally presumed to be a boating accident or suicide. However, the plot thickens when detectives uncover that the man previously interviewed as David Davis, a close friend of Ronald Platt, might now be living under Platt's identity.

Sam Mullins sets the scene:

[00:31] Sam Mullins: "There was a knock, there was a discovery, and then suddenly there were two Ronald Platts. One dead in the coroner's freezer in Devon and the other walking around paying bills."

Investigators Scramble for Answers

Detectives Bill McDonald and Ian Clenahan find themselves re-examining previous evidence under this new lens. The revelation demands a deeper investigation, leading them to explore Platt's past relationships.

McDonald reflects on the complexity introduced by the discovery:

[01:35] Sam Mullins: "For investigators. The door knock revelation had so thoroughly flipped everything on its head that the detectives, like Bill McDonald, were forced to look backwards at the work they'd already done."

Introducing Elaine Boyes: The Key to the Mystery

The investigation takes a pivotal turn when the detectives learn about Elaine Boyes, an ex-girlfriend of Ronald Platt, now residing in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Elaine becomes the focal point of the investigation as her connections to both Platt and Davis are explored.

Elaine Boyes shares her guarded sentiments:

[03:32] Elaine Boyes: "Oh gosh. This is the difficult bit to talk about, to be honest. I better be careful what I say on here."

Elaine and Ron: A Picture-Perfect Relationship

Sam Mullins paints a vivid picture of Elaine's life with Ronald Platt. Despite their seemingly strong bond, Ron's obsession with Canada hints at underlying issues that neither of them fully comprehend.

Elaine Boyes opens up about her past:

[04:36] Elaine Boyes: "Because I'd had quite a difficult childhood... I was a compliant female that's very friendly and outgoing on the surface, but underneath it she's not going to ask too many questions."

Their relationship appears harmonious on the surface, but cracks begin to show as Ron's fixation on relocating to Canada takes center stage.

The Entrance of David Davis: A Charismatic Stranger

In 1991, Elaine meets David Davis at her workplace—a fine art auction house. Davis's charm and persuasive nature quickly captivate Elaine, leading to a series of professional and personal entanglements that draw her and Ron deeper into his enigmatic plans.

Elaine Boyes recounts their first meeting:

[05:11] Elaine Boyes: "It was a blind date. I was introduced by two friends... He reminded me of Cliff Richard."

A Business Proposition with Hidden Agendas

Davis presents Elaine with an enticing business opportunity: a photography project in Geneva, promising substantial financial returns to expedite their move to Canada. However, Elaine senses something amiss but decides to proceed, influenced by Ron's unwavering support.

Elaine Boyes describes the proposal:

[17:51] Elaine Boyes: "He said, that is absolutely brilliant. We could do that. He said... we could do one of these coffee table books with all the fountains of Geneva."

Rising Suspicion and Red Flags

As Elaine and Ron become more involved with Davis, subtle warning signs emerge. Large sums of money, vague business objectives, and Davis's evasive behavior start to raise doubts about his true intentions.

Chris Idle, Elaine's friend, voices his concerns:

[28:47] Chris Idle: "It didn't seem to be much of a job... I thought he was either on the run, involved in some sort of witness protection program, or with the CIA or something."

The Sudden Push to Canada: A Christmas Revelation

During a Christmas gathering, Davis shocks Elaine and Ron with an unexpected ultimatum: they must move to Canada by the end of February, backed by an offer to cover flight expenses. This sudden demand strains their plans and heightens the tension surrounding Davis's true motives.

Elaine Boyes shares her apprehension:

[44:49] Elaine Boyes: "How on earth are we going to wind down a business, sell an apartment? And it's all so quick."

A Gut Feeling Ignored: The Path to Deception

Despite allowing themselves to be swept up by Davis's promises, Elaine grapples with an uneasy feeling that something is deeply wrong. Her instincts point to potential danger, but loyalty and hope for a better future keep her tethered to Davis's schemes.

Elaine Boyes reflects on her intuition:

[47:10] Sam Mullins: "Sometimes you've got to trust your gut instinct. And my gut instinct said he was involved. In what shape or form?"

Conclusion: The Calm Before the Storm

As Elaine and Ron prepare to embark on their hastily arranged move to Canada, the episode leaves listeners on the edge of their seats. The interplay between trust, deception, and the relentless pursuit of a dream sets the stage for the unraveling of Ronald Platt's intricate web of lies.

Sam Mullins leaves the audience anticipating the next developments:

[25:04] Sam Mullins: "So the three of them raised a glass and they had a deal. And almost immediately to Elaine and Ron, the door to a more exciting life seemed to swing open."

Key Takeaways and Insights

• The Complexity of Deception: Ronald Platt's ability to fabricate identities and manipulate those around him highlights the intricate nature of deceit in criminal activities.

• Trust and Intuition: Elaine's journey underscores the importance of trusting one's instincts, even when faced with seemingly legitimate opportunities.

• The Role of Relationships in Criminal Schemes: The intertwining of personal relationships and criminal intentions plays a crucial role in the success of Platt's cons.

Notable Quotes

• Sam Mullins on the Dual Identity Crisis:

  [00:31] "There was a knock, there was a discovery, and then suddenly there were two Ronald Platts."

• Elaine Boyes on Her Past Influence:

  [04:36] "I was a compliant female that's very friendly and outgoing on the surface, but underneath it she's not going to ask too many questions."

• Chris Idle's Suspicion:

  [28:47] "He may, on the other hand, have just been some harmless eccentric who didn't know what to do with his money."

• Elaine's Gut Feeling:

  [47:10] "Sometimes you've got to trust your gut instinct. And my gut instinct said he was involved."

Conclusion

Sea of Lies masterfully unravels the layers of Ronald Platt's deceit, painting a vivid picture of manipulation, trust, and the quest for identity. Sam Mullins combines meticulous investigation with compelling storytelling, ensuring listeners are both informed and enthralled. As the series progresses, the true extent of Platt's machinations promises to reveal even deeper secrets and shocking truths.

For more detailed episodes and true crime stories, visit CBC Podcasts.