Who The Hell Is Hamish?

How A Smooth-Talking Swindler In A Suit stole $7m

From the team that brought you 'The Teacher's Pet', The Australian has today launched a new investigative podcast exploring the fascinating and devastating life of serial conman Hamish McLaren.

'Who the hell is Hamish' is by The Australian's award-winning journalist Greg Bearup who delves into the fraud and betrayal behind Hamish McLaren, a Sydney man who pretended to be a barrister, investment fund manager and Harvard graduate to fleece more than $7 million from victims in the US, Canada, Britain, Hong Kong and Australia.

Bearup's investigation into McLaren explores how victims were deceived and reveals, for the first time, a number of disturbing developments in his private life that extend beyond his pyramid schemes.

Bearup has conducted dozens of interviews with victims, associates, lawyers and law enforcement officials, uncovering stunning evidence throughout his investigation.

The Australian's Editor-in-Chief, Chris Dore, says the series follows the global success of podcast phenomenon 'The Teacher's Pet', which has been downloaded over 40 million times worldwide, received multiple awards and accelerated the investigation into the death of Lyn Dawson.

"The success of 'The Teacher's Pet' - and 'Bowraville' before it - has proved the impact that investigative podcast journalism can have in unearthing incredible stories" Dore said. "It is also the perfect way for Greg to bring to life the devastation felt by Hamish McLaren's victims," Dore says.

The Australian's Greg Bearup, says: "The scale and cruelty of McLaren's crimes are breathtaking - these are good and intelligent people who were unfortunately caught in McLaren's web of lies. Many have suffered horrible consequences."

A new episode will be released each Friday.