The first two episodes of the investigation debut today – click here
On August 1, the White House announced a historic prisoner swap among the United States, Russia and other nations, and the Russian oligarch, Vladislav Klyushin, was one of the Russians sent back to his country as part of the exchange, alongside Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, cutting short his nine-year prison sentence. CNBC’s original podcast, “The Crimes of Putin’s Trader,” examines Klyushin’s life and crimes that targeted the American financial system.
The first two episodes of the podcast debut today, Thursday, August 15, and the remaining episodes will be released every Thursday. Below are the podcast and episode descriptions:
Podcast Description
“The Crimes of Putin’s Trader,” hosted and reported by CNBC Senior Washington Correspondent Eamon Javers, explores the secret life of a young Russian oligarch, Vladislav Klyushin, who generated an illicit $93 million through insider corruption adding to his already massive fortune, and his Moscow-based cyber security firm that doubled as a front for hacking-driven insider trading on Wall Street. The podcast reveals real-time details of Klyushin and his employees in action, financial information they stole, companies they invested in, and millions of dollars in profits taken through illegal trades in the stock of prominent American companies as well as the private communications between the conspirators. Featuring exclusive interviews with the FBI investigators and Department of Justice prosecutors who led the investigation and a former Russian spy, Javers takes listeners inside the shocking Russian crime that is targeting the U.S. economy, with profound implications for anyone who has retirement accounts, investments, or works in corporate America.
Episode 1: “Putin’s Trader”
Eamon Javers examines the life of Vladislav Klyushin, his incredible connections at the top of Russian society, and his deep relationship with Russian intelligence agencies. Listeners will go inside Klyushin’s criminal cyber company, known as M-13, and get a taste of his high-rolling lifestyle, fabulous parties, trips to the soccer World Cup, and helicopter skiing. Javers also details the emerging bromance between Klyushin and his employee Yermakov, a former Russian intelligence officer and hacker who was indicted by the U.S. government for his role in cyber espionage related to the 2016 American presidential election.
Episode 2: “The Case Agents”
Through Javers’ exclusive interviews with the FBI agents and Department of Justice prosecutors involved in the investigation, the episode takes listeners back to the very beginning of this $93 million hack-to-trade scheme. A tip reveals a series of clues that ultimately leads agents to a private flight to Switzerland.
Episode 3: “Cover Story”
Klyushin’s scheme starts to unravel and the online brokerage that he and his team have been using begins to raise questions about their remarkable success rate in the stock market. In a recorded call, Klyushin assures bankers that he is not using insider information while the FBI begins to move in to make the arrest. Klyushin’s Swiss attorney reveals this case isn’t about insider trading but rather it’s spy versus spy payback.
Episode 4: “A Life of Lies”
Eamon Javers interviews veteran CIA clandestine operator Jim Olson, who worked for the agency in Moscow at the height of the cold war. Olson explains how the CIA tries to recruit Russians, like Klyushin, to turn on their country by using money, ideology, and ego. He also reveals spy tactics used by the CIA, such as the promise of U.S. college admissions for defector’s children and access to top notch healthcare for sick family members. Olson also gives listeners a course in how U.S. spies are taught to operate undercover.
Episode 5: “The Defector”
Eamon Javers talks to a spy on the other side – a former Russian FSB intelligence officer who has defected to the United States and now lives under U.S. protection. For the interview, his identity has been concealed as he still is under threat of Russian retaliation. He’s been studying the Vladislav Klyushin case and explains how Klyushin is just one of multiple Russian intelligence connected insider traders. The veteran spy alleges that this is a deliberate strategy by Vladimir Putin to destabilize Western economies and steer profits to his cronies.
Episode 6: “Mission Possible”
Eamon Javers continues his conversation with veteran CIA spy Jim Olson about a Mission Impossible-style raid Olson led on a Russian communications line outside of Moscow. He also reveals the one thing he ever refused to do for the agency – even if it meant protecting his country.
Episode 7: “The Prisoner Exchange”
The episode details the historic prisoner swap that took place on August 1, 2024, between the U.S., Russia, and other nations. Vladislav Klyushin, among others, was sent back to his home country of Russia as part of the exchange, cutting short his nine-year prison sentence.
About CNBC Podcasts
CNBC Podcasts provides listeners with in-depth market coverage and insights across seventeen ongoing series, featuring titles such as Mad Money with Jim Cramer and the award-winning morning podcast, Squawk Pod. CNBC podcasts are available on platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, CNBC’s mobile app for iOS and Android and CNBC.com. To learn more, visit: cnbc.com/podcasts.
For more information contact:
Jennifer Dauble
CNBC
t: 201.735.4721
m: 201.615.2787
Stephanie Hirlemann
CNBC
m: 201.397.2838
