Australia’s Most Mysterious Conman: John Friedrich

Australia’s Most Mysterious Conman: John Friedrich

Author: Bravecasting February 22, 2026 Duration: 44:11

John Friedrich was a mysterious figure in 1980s Australia who transformed the National Safety Council into a high-tech rescue operation while secretly defrauding banks of hundreds of millions.

Walkley Award–winning journalist Marc Fennell joins us to unpack the astonishing rise and fall of this enigmatic conman.

Australia’s Greatest Conman? premieres Tuesday 24 February at 8.30pm on SBS and SBS On Demand.

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CREDITS:

Host: Meshel Laurie

Guest: Marc Fennell

Executive Producer/Editor: Matthew Tankard


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For those drawn to the shadows that linger just beyond the backyard fence, Australian True Crime offers a compelling and often unsettling exploration. Hosted by Meshel Laurie, whose genuine fascination with the genre drives every conversation, this podcast delves into the stories that unfold in the very streets and suburbs we think we know. It moves beyond the headlines to examine the intricate, human details of cases that have shocked the nation. Laurie’s approach is characterised by thorough research and a commitment to presenting multiple perspectives. Each episode is built around interviews with a range of voices, including journalists who have covered the cases, investigators who worked the scenes, and at times, the victim survivors or even perpetrators themselves. This method provides a multi-faceted view, probing the underbelly of Australian communities to uncover the complex realities behind the crime. Listening to this podcast feels like sitting down for a deep, sometimes difficult, but always engrossing discussion about the darker threads woven into the fabric of Australian life. It’s for anyone who understands that true crime is, at its core, about people and place, and that the most mysterious tales are often those closest to home.
Author: Language: en-au Episodes: 100

Australian True Crime
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