New Season of "Alphabet Boys" Unveils an International Arms Case
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The Inside Story of "Alphabet Boys"
"Alphabet Boys" is a captivating multi-season narrative podcast that takes listeners into the intricate workings of America's federal agencies, such as the FBI, CIA, DEA, and ATF.
The second season of this investigative series, produced by Western Sound and iHeartPodcasts, delves deep into an international arms-trafficking scandal that intertwines the actions of the DEA, CIA, and FBI into one compelling story.
Listen to the official audio trailer now HERE.
Investigative journalist Trevor Aaronson, who hosts the podcast, explores cases that raise a fundamental question: Are federal agents and their informants truly apprehending criminals, or are they inadvertently creating them?
Aaronson, known for his insightful reporting, is also the host of the Audible podcast "American ISIS" and the second season of the "Chameleon" series titled "High Rollers." He authored "The Terror Factory: Inside the FBI's Manufactured War on Terrorism" and contributes to The Intercept. His TED Talk on the FBI's counterterrorism efforts has garnered over a million views and has been translated into more than twenty languages.
Unpacking a Complex Narrative
Drawing from extensive undercover recordings and numerous internal U.S. government documents, "Alphabet Boys: Up in Arms" recounts the intriguing saga of Flaviu Georgescu, a Romanian-American businessman. Georgescu found himself in contact with a Colombian revolutionary seeking to acquire millions in military-grade weaponry. Despite being a long-time informant for the FBI, Georgescu reached out to the CIA to alert them about the arms deal—unbeknownst to the DEA, who were already investigating him.
This ten-episode narrative unfolds like a spy thriller, illustrating how federal agents can become entangled in investigations that cross into other agencies, creating a confusing landscape where it's challenging to discern heroes from villains.
"Season two of 'Alphabet Boys' takes you behind the curtain of a cross-border arms-trafficking operation that involves an enigmatic international businessman, a Romanian government minister, an Italian politician, and Colombian revolutionaries from FARC," host Aaronson explains. "It's a balancing act that entangles the DEA, FBI, and CIA in a case that is as fascinating as it is absurd."
A Unique Perspective on Law Enforcement
"'Alphabet Boys: Up in Arms' is a complete mindbender," comments Ben Adair, founder of Western Sound and co-creator of the podcast. "Trevor's investigative work illustrates how federal law enforcement often resembles a comedic sketch more than a serious spy narrative. Unfortunately, their blunders and ineptitude can have serious repercussions for those caught in their chaotic web."
Founded in 2018 by award-winning journalist Ben Adair, Western Sound is the Los Angeles-based studio behind the acclaimed podcasts "Strangeland" and "Lost Hills."
The inaugural season, "Alphabet Boys: Trojan Hearse," revealed how the FBI infiltrated and undermined the racial justice movement during the summer of 2020, earning widespread acclaim from major media outlets such as The Guardian, The Daily Beast, and Democracy Now!
The second season is set to premiere on June 26, with new episodes rolling out every Monday and Thursday until July 27.
Looking Ahead
I had a concept for the third season of "Alphabet Boys," where the National Archives investigates current and former elected officials regarding their mishandling of classified documents. Then I thought, "Nah, that would be too far-fetched."
