World of Secrets: Season 5, Episode 4 – "A Detective Calls"
Host: Colin Freeman
Production: Andre Goncalves and Yemisi Adegoke
Introduction: The Pursuit of Fox
In Episode 4 of "Finding Mr Fox," part of BBC's "World of Secrets" Season 5, listeners delve deeper into the intricate investigation surrounding the suspicious yacht, Rich Harvest, and its enigmatic owner, George Saul, known as Fox. Local Brazilian police chief Andre Goncalves spearheads the operation to uncover the truth behind the massive drug smuggling ring linked to the yacht.
Surveillance Begins: Tracking the Rich Harvest
Andre Goncalves receives a critical tip-off from the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) in 03:14, identifying the Rich Harvest and its crew, including Fox, as potential drug traffickers. Tasked with leading the Narcotics Suppression Unit, Andre embarks on a year-long mission to surveil the yacht, which he believes is a central node in an international cocaine smuggling operation.
Andre Goncalves:
"He'll spend almost a year organizing covert surveillance, months more investigating…" 03:43
The initial search focuses on the Bay of Aratu, a sprawling area with numerous hidden anchors, making the yacht's discovery challenging. Persistence pays off when the police finally spot the yacht, aided by its two towering masts, and initiate unmarked boat surveillance.
George Saul (Fox):
"We kept watch all night…"* 05:02
Despite extensive monitoring, the yacht remains stationary, undergoing significant renovations that raise further suspicions.
Covert Operations and Rising Suspicion
As the Rich Harvest undergoes clandestine modifications, Andre faces a catch-22: without concrete evidence, he risks alerting the suspects by initiating a search prematurely. To navigate this dilemma, his team employs covert action, blending in as potential buyers to gather intelligence without revealing their true intentions.
George Saul (Fox):
"We call covert action." 06:13
However, the operation takes an unexpected turn when Fox and a colleague abruptly leave Brazil, leaving behind Robert Delbos—another British crew member—to oversee the ongoing renovations. Andre's surveillance intensifies, noting Fox's unusual behavior upon his return, which only deepens the mystery.
Breakthrough and Fox's Elusiveness
After ten months, a breakthrough occurs when cocaine is seized in Cape Verde from the Rich Harvest, confirming Andre's suspicions of the yacht's illicit activities. This pivotal evidence shifts the investigation from mere suspicion to actionable crime, allowing Andre to formally pursue Fox.
George Saul (Fox):
"When I formalized the investigation, the objective was to attribute responsibility for the drugs." 12:00
Despite securing an arrest warrant, Fox manages to evade capture during his time in Italy, primarily due to bureaucratic delays in the extradition process. This setback leaves Andre frustrated and the case unresolved.
George Saul (Fox):
"Frustrated. I was frustrated because the job of the police is to bring people to face justice." 24:26
The Crew's Ordeal: Imprisonment and Appeals
While Fox slips through the cracks, his crew—Rodrigo and Daniel—face severe consequences. Arrested in Cape Verde, they are convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison. Their journey through the legal system reveals significant flaws, as their initial trial is overturned on technicalities, only to be sent back to the same judge, undermining their hope for justice.
Rodrigo:
"It took us all these months for three judges to say, let's do it again." 27:35
After enduring prolonged incarceration without conviction, both sailors are eventually released due to procedural delays, allowing them to return to Brazil. However, their ordeal leaves lasting emotional scars and a lingering sense of injustice.
Daniel:
"After I came out, I just thought, if the justice system is incapable of dealing with it, then God will." 31:38
Ongoing Investigation and Unresolved Questions
Andre Goncalves remains steadfast in his pursuit of Fox, despite the latter's continued evasion. The episode highlights the challenges of international law enforcement collaboration and the limitations faced by police when dealing with high-profile criminals who operate across borders.
Andre Goncalves:
"We have to find Fox and we might have found someone who can help." 33:22
The investigation concludes without Fox's apprehension, leaving both Andre and the affected crew grappling with unfinished business and a pervasive sense of unresolved injustice.
Key Takeaways and Reflections
Episode 4 of "Finding Mr Fox" captures the relentless pursuit of justice by Brazilian authorities against a sophisticated drug smuggling operation. It underscores the complexities of international crime, the personal toll on those wrongly implicated, and the persistent frustration when key suspects remain at large.
George Saul (Fox):
"18 months of misery." 33:57
The narrative poignantly illustrates the human impact of such crimes, not only on the investigators but also on innocent individuals caught in the crossfire of deceit and corruption.
Conclusion: A Case Still Open
As the season progresses, "Finding Mr Fox" leaves listeners anticipating the next developments in this high-stakes investigation. With Fox still at large and the crew's cases hanging by a thread, the quest for truth and accountability continues, promising further revelations and intense storytelling in upcoming episodes.
Notable Quotes:
-
Penny (Miranda's Mother):
"Nobody joins a cult. You just get sucked in." 00:05 -
George Saul (Fox):
"Now you want to get mixed up." 21:22 -
Daniel:
"Sorry, but I think it's true. So I don't want to meet him." 32:16
Produced by:
Colin Freeman, Andre Goncalves, Yemisi Adegoke
Executive Producer: Joe Kent
Sound Design: Nigel Appleton
Voice Actors: Ben Hur Santos (Andre), Edison Alcaja (Rodrigo), Antonio Fernandez (Daniel)
Next Episode:
Stay tuned for the next installment of "Finding Mr Fox," where Andre Goncalves continues his unwavering commitment to bringing the elusive Fox to justice.