Ep. 169 Embezzlement - Bernie Madoff - Crime Defined

Ep. 169 Embezzlement - Bernie Madoff - Crime Defined

From Murder Bucket by Hannah Palmer

May 5, 2026 · 20 min · Season 7 · Episode 9

About this episode

This episode explores the crime of embezzlement, its definition, and the infamous case of Bernard Madoff.

Crime Defined is a series where we break down the law, one crime at a time. Each episode, we start by explaining exactly what a specific crime is — what makes it illegal, how it’s defined under the law, and the consequences for those who commit it. Then, we dive into a real-life case, exploring someone who actually committed that crime, the investigation, and the impact of their actions. Our goal is to make the law understandable and the true crime unforgettable. What does embezzlement really look like—and how does it go undetected for so long? In Part 1 of this two-part series, we break down the foundation of embezzlement: what it is, how it works, and why it’s so difficult to catch. From positions of trust to carefully crafted deception, we explore the methods used to move money quietly and convincingly—often right under the noses of employers, investors, and regulators. We’ll also take a closer look at one of the most infamous financial criminals, Bernard Madoff, and begin to unpack how his operation functioned for decades without raising alarms. This episode focuses on the how —the structure, the strategy, and the illusion. Follow us on all social media! Facebook…

People in this episode

Host: Hannah Palmer

Topics covered

  • embezzlement
  • Bernard Madoff
  • financial crime
  • law
  • true crime
  • crime definition

Keywords

  • embezzlement
  • Bernard Madoff
  • financial crime
  • law
  • crime definition
  • investigation
  • true crime

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