Introducing... Hoaxed, the new series from Alexi Mostrous and Tortoise, who brought you Sweet Bobby.
In 2014, two children told police a shocking story: that they were being abused by a Satanic cult; a cult headed by their father and by parents and teachers at their school in the wealthy London suburb of Hampstead. The story was a lie. But on the internet, that didn't matter.
Hoaxed is an investigation into one of Britain's most serious-ever conspiracy theories. A story about a modern-day Satanic panic; about the victims whose lives were destroyed and about the conspiracists who spread the lie around the world. Oh, and it's about our hunt for the perpetrators - the people who forced the kids to lie - the ones who started it all.
All 6 episodes are available now to listen for free. You can listen to the full series ad-free and get access to exclusive bonus content by downloading the Tortoise audio app or subscribing to Tortoise+ on Apple podcasts. Or join Tortoise as a member, where you can access more of our reporting, live events and support our work. Just visit the Tortoise website and use the code Alexi50 for half price membership.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Hoaxed podcast is a thrilling true story about an unbelievable conspiracy. Alexi Mostrous, the investigations reporter for Tortoise Media, is the host. Within six episodes, Alexi reveals the story with all its surprising answers.
The first episode of Hoaxed begins with the lie that started it all. Alexi warns listeners of strong language and descriptions of sexual violence. He discusses his desire as a journalist to always uncover the truth. Yet, Alexi admits that with this particular story, he would never have allowed it to go public. He would prefer not to make this podcast due to its disturbing nature.
Listeners of the Hoaxed podcast will hear two British children, ages 7 and 9, interviewed by the police. They talk of alleged abuse carried out by their father, among others. Eight years after the interview, the video recording gets shared on the internet.
Hoaxed host Alexi talks to the children's mother, Ella Draper, who taught yoga in Hampstead. Her relationship with their father was destructive. She wanted to take her children back to Russia when she started seeing signs of violence in them. In 2014, she met a new partner, Abraham Christie. Alexi describes their meeting as a life-changing moment for them both.
As the story continues, the children talk of a secret Satanic circle of pedophiles. The investigations begin. Although their account seems unbelievable, police have to treat it as truth. Too often, tales such as these are, in fact, true. Alexi hints that although their story of abuse may be a complete lie, this is still a tale of abuse.
What starts as an investigation into a Satanic group becomes a search for the children's parents. In the fifth episode, Alexi flies to Morocco with his producer to interview Abraham. He reveals a secretive and disturbing past. The final episode sees both Ella and Abraham confronted by Alexi. Finally, everything becomes clear.
The Hoaxed podcast is a true crime investigation like never before. Alexi brings listeners on his investigative journey as he seeks to find answers and meaning to this incredible story.
Episodes