The Big Sell

A balmy evening in 2009. Steel drums, champagne, and celebrity endorsements. David Ames – a twice-bankrupt salesman from Essex – unveils his vision: Caribbean paradise resorts where ordinary people can own property for just £1,000. With backing from football legends, tennis stars, and property guru Phil Spencer, thousands of investors hand over life savings and pension pots. But who is David Ames? What experience does he have building international resorts? As money floods in and construction begins, the first cracks start appearing in paradise.Hosts: George Odling and Andy JehringSeries Producer: Ósk PétursdóttirSound Design: John ScottExecutive Producer: Bella SoamesAdditional Production: Julia WebsterNew episodes of Heists, Scams and Lies: The Lost Caribbean Millions are released weekly. If you can’t wait until next week, members of 'The Crime Desk' can access every episode in this series straight away – no need to wait. And, If that wasn't enough, you'll also get exclusive access to all our shows, such as Charlene and Psychology of a Serial Killer: Harold Shipman and weekly bonus episodes of our award-winning The Trial. Just head to thecrimedesk.com. If you have any information you’d like to share with us about Harlequin, please drop us a line at hsl@dailymail.co.uk Join The Crime Desk now get early access to new seasons of Heists, Scams & Lies before anyone else. Plus, you'll get exclusive weekly bonus episodes of our award-winning podcast The Trial, ad-free listening across all of our shows, and early access to brand-new true crime shows. Become a member today at thecrimedesk.com.Presenters: George Odling, Andy JehringSeries Producer: Ósk PetursdottirSound Design: John ScottExecutive Producer: Bella Soames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.