The Lucrative Business of… Pirating? — Matthew Campbell

In July 2011, an oil tanker traveling through the Gulf of Aden was attacked by pirates. The tanker’s length was about the height of the Chrysler Building.

It was carrying $100 million worth of fuel. And then, it all went to pieces. An explosion and fire broke out.

Another story from Matt Campbell’s book, Dead in the Water: A True Story of Hijacking, Murder, and a Global Maritime Conspiracy, was also showcased in the Tom Hank’s movie, Captain Phillips.

Matt shared with me the hidden system that powers seaborne trade. And how terrible crimes can occur often with no consequences.

Topics Discussed:

• An Introduction to Matthew Campbell (00:00:00)
• The Little-Known Near-$40 Billion Industry (00:01:10)
• True Events from the Movie Captain Phillips — Starring Tom Hanks (00:07:34)
• Insurance
• Fraud Happening Since the Dawn of Time (00:17:27)
• The Human Cost of Getting Your iPhone Delivered (00:37:11)

Guest Bio:

Matthew Campbell is an award-winning reporter and editor for Bloomberg Businessweek magazine.

His latest book —which he co-authors with Kit Chellel — is Dead in the Water: A True Story of Hijacking, Murder, and a Global Maritime Conspiracy.

Resources Mentioned:

Dead in the Water: A True Story of Hijacking,

Murder, and a Global Maritime Conspiracy