A new six-part podcast examines claims that a European socialite left friends out of pocket while maintaining a luxury lifestyle.
Fraudacious is an investigative narrative series from Novel in association with BBC Studios, hosted and reported by journalist Vicky Baker.
The podcast centres on Ekaterina Barrett, who is accused of stealing millions while moving through elite European society.
The story begins in London, where boutique owner Bridget Hutchcroft befriends Ekaterina at her Knightsbridge dress agency.
Ekaterina presents herself as wealthy and well connected, with chauffeurs, designer goods, luxury apartments and five-star hotels forming the backdrop to their friendship.
That relationship collapses when Bridget lends Ekaterina more than one million pounds and the money is not returned.
As Bridget looks for answers, Vicky uncovers a wider group of former associates who say they have also lost significant sums.
The investigation takes in London, Vienna, the Netherlands and Monaco, in courtrooms, casinos and opera houses as new details emerge.
Witnesses describe a shift in behaviour and court appearances that descend into farce.
Documents surface that challenge sworn testimony, raising further questions about how Ekaterina continues to fund what is described as a lavish lifestyle while insisting she owns nothing.
Fraudacious follows Bridget’s legal fight as proceedings intensify and Ekaterina maintains her innocence.
The series explores how trust was built and then broken, and how claims of wealth and influence can be used to secure large loans from friends.
The trailer for Fraudacious is available from today, and the series launches across podcast platforms on 2 March, with new episodes released weekly.
