5. Waiting for Michael

On the ground at the Busang exploration site, the dream is collapsing and Bre-X geologist Michael de Guzman is needed for some major questioning. But where is he? As the hours tick by and he fails to arrive at Bre-X's site, news of a tragedy spreads. Those involved in the gold discovery need to get out of Indonesia and fast.

Since this episode was recorded, John McBeth has sadly passed away. We are very grateful for his contribution to this story.

Please note, this episode deals with upsetting scenes including suicide and contains some graphic details.

The Six Billion Dollar Gold Scam was first published in May 2024.

The Six Billion Dollar Gold Scam is made by BBC Scotland Productions for the BBC World Service and CBC

Presenter: Suzanne Wilton

Lead Producer: Kate Bissell

Producers: Anna Miles and Mark Rickards

Research: Tom Hinckley

Story consultant: Jack Kibble-White

Music and Sound design: Hannis Brown

Additional Sound Design + Audio Mix: Joel Cox

Executive Editor: Heather Kane-Darling

CBC Senior Producers: Veronica Simmonds and Willow Smith

CBC Executive Producers: Chris Oke and Cesil Fernandes

BBC Commissioning Senior Producer: Anne Dixey

BBC Commissioning Editor: Jon Manel