Episode 27

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Published on:

17th Aug 2025

"The Illusionist — Hamish McLaren’s Web of Lies"

He posed as a Harvard graduate, a barrister, a financial wizard — and people believed him. For years, Hamish McLaren drifted through Australia’s elite circles, charming his way into lives, bank accounts, and even marriages. He stole millions through fabricated investments, siphoned off superannuation funds, and left devastation in his wake. In this episode of Heists, Hustles, and Homicide, we pull apart McLaren’s carefully staged illusion — from his high-rolling lifestyle and Bondi Beach arrest, to the voices of the victims who trusted him. And we dig into the mystery that still haunts investigators: where did all the money go?

#TrueCrime #TrueCrimePodcast #HamishMcLaren #Conman #PonziScheme #ScamStories #HeistsHustlesHomicide #FraudExposed #BondiBeach #FinancialFraud #ConArtist #CrimePodcast

Coming up: the Antwerp Diamond Heist. Billions in jewels, a vault called “impenetrable,” and a team of thieves who pulled off the unthinkable. How did they outsmart some of the tightest security on earth? Find out next week on Heists, Hustles, and Homicide.

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About the Podcast

Heists, Hustles, and Homicide
True Crime Stories
Welcome to Heists, Hustles, and Homicide — the true crime podcast where brains, betrayal, and blood all share the same spotlight.
I'm Big Steve your host, and each week, I’ll take you into the minds of the boldest criminals, the slickest con artists, and the darkest murderers history has to offer.
Some of these stories you’ve heard whispers of.
Some have been buried.
And some? They were never supposed to be uncovered at all.
We’ll crack open legendary heists that rewrote the rules…
We’ll follow the hustlers who schemed their way into the high life…
And we’ll revisit chilling homicides that still haunt investigators — and victims’ families — decades later.
But this isn’t just about crime.
It’s about people.
What drives someone to pull off the perfect con — or the perfect murder?
Is it desperation? Greed? Ego? Revenge?
Each episode, we’ll unravel one real-life case — beginning to end.
Some episodes will play out like thrillers.
Others will feel like puzzles missing a single, crucial piece.
And in every one, we’ll ask the same question:
How far would you go?
So whether you're into high-stakes break-ins, twisted lies, or unsolved crimes that keep you up at night — welcome.
You’ve found your new obsession.
This is Heists, Hustles, and Homicide.
Make sure to follow the show, and buckle up — episode one drops next week”.
Trust me, you won’t want to miss it.
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About your host

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Steven Waite