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The Auction Block

Illegal markets where everything from stolen antiquities to human trafficking to endangered species gets bought and sold. Investigative journalists and law enforcement expose the auction houses, online platforms, and private sales that facilitate criminal commerce.

Podcast · By Neon Nights Studio · English · Official site

Indexed episodes, last 90 days
10
Latest publication
Sep 10, 2026
Audience
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Earliest in this view
Jul 9, 2026

Latest episodes

  1. Episode · Sep 10, 2026

    The Price of Silence in the World of Rare Manuscripts (opens the original)

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    In this discussion, we explore the complex and often murky realm of rare manuscript trading, where valuable literary works are not just stolen but also sold through clandestine networks. We'll investigate how these manuscripts, often considered cultural treasures, slip through the cracks of legality and ethics. Through conversations with literary scholars, collectors, and law enforcement, we will uncover the motivations behind this trade and the impact it has on cultural heritage. Listeners will

  2. Episode · Sep 3, 2026

    The Hidden Costs of Illicit Wine Production and Distribution (opens the original)

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    Explore the shadowy practices behind the illicit wine industry, where counterfeit bottles and unregulated production methods threaten both consumers and legitimate producers. This discussion will reveal how criminal networks exploit loopholes in wine regulations, leading to the sale of unsafe and fraudulent products. We'll hear from vineyard owners, regulatory officials, and consumer advocates who highlight the dangers of this underground market. By understanding the implications of these practi

  3. Episode · Aug 27, 2026

    Behind the Curtain of Antique Firearms and Their Buyers (opens the original)

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    The antique firearms market is a complex web of history, legality, and illicit activity. In this discussion, we will explore how these historical weapons are bought and sold, often slipping through the cracks of regulation. We'll investigate the motivations of collectors who seek these pieces, the legal loopholes that allow for their trade, and the impact this has on crime and safety. Through interviews with historians, law enforcement, and ethical collectors, listeners will gain a nuanced under

  4. Episode · Aug 20, 2026

    The Price of Silence in the World of Stolen Manuscripts (opens the original)

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    Explore the shadowy realm of stolen manuscripts, where priceless literary works are pilfered from libraries and private collections. This episode uncovers the networks that facilitate the theft and sale of these cultural treasures, often hidden behind the facade of legitimate auctions and private sales. Through interviews with literary scholars, law enforcement officials, and advocates for cultural preservation, we will examine the ethical dilemmas faced by collectors and institutions that prior

  5. Episode · Aug 13, 2026

    The Unseen Costs of Counterfeit Luxury Goods (opens the original)

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    Counterfeit luxury goods are not just a matter of lost profits for brands; they come with hidden costs that ripple through economies and communities. In this discussion, we will explore how the production and sale of fake designer items contribute to organized crime, exploit workers, and fund other illicit activities. We will hear from brand protection experts, law enforcement officials, and social activists who reveal the broader implications of this booming black market. By understanding the t

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