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20/07/2026

Balkan Cartels & The Severed Hand : Slovenia Crime Trials
Direct Answer First
This upcoming episode of Detective Diaries explores two of Slovenia’s most shocking recent legal sagas: the bizarre 2019 insurance fraud plot of Sebastien Abramov and Julija Adlešič involving a intentionally sawn-off hand, and the massive, multi-year Ljubljana District Court trial targeting the ruthless Slovenian branch of the Montenegrin Kavač drug clan.
Episode Overview
Ljubljana, Slovenia, is globally renowned for its picturesque scenery and peaceful streets. However, beneath the calm surface lie jaw-dropping criminal plots and dangerous transnational syndicates. This week, Detective Diaries unpacks two distinct legal battles that pushed Slovenian investigators to their absolute limits: a gruesome, desperate scheme for insurance money and a high-stakes mafia trial that exposed how global drug cartels exploit Central European borders.
Act I: The Price of a Hand — The Sebastien Abramov Scam
The "Accident"
In January 2019, 21-year-old [Julija Adlešič](https://english.sta.si/2805741/sawn-off-hand-case-ends-with-prison sentences) arrived at a Ljubljana hospital with her left hand completely severed above the wrist. She and her boyfriend, Sebastien Abramov, claimed it was a tragic accident involving a circular saw while cutting tree branches.
The Twist
Abramov purposely left the severed hand behind at the scene to ensure the amputation remained permanent. Unbeknownst to them, suspicious emergency services alerted the police. Authorities recovered the limb, and surgeons successfully reattached it.
The Investigation
Detectives uncovered a massive web of deceit:

The Policies: Adlešič had signed up for five different insurance policies just one year prior. The total potential payout topped €1 million.
The Digital Footprint: Investigators found internet searches on Abramov’s phone regarding artificial prosthetic hands from days leading up to the incident.
A Darker History: As the case unravelled, detectives realized Abramov was also under investigation for the 2015 shooting "accident" of his previous girlfriend, Sara Veber—for which he was eventually sentenced to 30 years in prison.

The Verdict
In a heavily publicised trial at the [Ljubljana District Court](https://english.sta.si/2805741/sawn-off-hand-case-ends-with-prison sentences), all parties ultimately pleaded guilty to attempted fraud. Abramov received three years in prison, while Adlešič received two.

Act II: The Balkan Cartel in Ljubljana — The Kavač Clan Trial
The Syndicate
Shifting focus from petty greed to organized crime, we look at the sprawling trial of the Slovenian cell of the Montenegrin Kavač Clan. Originating from Kotor, Montenegro, the Kavač clan is locked in a bloody, international turf war against the rival Škaljari clan over multi-billion euro co***ne pipelines from South America into Europe.
The Ljubljana Crackdown
Slovenia serves as a critical transit route and logistical hub for moving drugs from Adriatic ports into Western Europe. The long-running mafia trial reached its climax at the Ljubljana District Court, targeting 14 syndicate members involved in large-scale drug trafficking.


High Stakes & Violence

Mafia Hits: The trial highlighted brutal internal purges, including the convictions of three men for a ruthless mafia ex*****on and attempted murder linked to Kavač score-settling.
The Prosecution: With a blood trail cutting across Europe, Slovenian prosecutors requested severe prison sentences ranging from 5 to 15 years for the cartel’s foot soldiers and middle management.


Case Comparison At A Glance

Feature

Case 1: The Severed Hand Scam

Case 2: The Kavač Clan Trial

Primary Crime

Attempted Insurance Fraud

Transnational Drug Trafficking & Murder

Key Perpetrators

Sebastien Abramov & Julija Adlešič

Slovenian cell of the Montenegrin Mafia

The Motive

€1M+ cash payout

Control of South American co***ne smuggling routes

The Blunder

Left the hand behind; left prosthetic search history

Encrypted Sky ECC communications intercepted

Court Venue

Ljubljana District Court

Ljubljana District Court


Key Takeaways

Digital Footprints Destroy Perfect Alibis: No matter how carefully planned a crime seems, digital evidence—like searching for "prosthetic hands" online—frequently acts as the ultimate undoing for criminals.
Greed Distorts Reality: The desperation for quick wealth can drive individuals to irreversible acts of self-mutilation, even when the odds of successfully deceiving modern insurance investigators are incredibly low.
The Balkans' Silent Gateway: Peaceful nations like Slovenia are highly valued by violent transnational syndicates (like the Kavač clan) to act as logistical hubs for moving illicit cargo seamlessly into the EU.

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16/07/2026

Daria, Private Eye – Interview with Daria Simpson-Dernovaya
Episode Description
Another episode of the Detective Diaries Podcast on Spotify, we sit down with Daria Simpson-Dernovaya, an undergraduate Criminology student at the University of Bath who is currently undertaking a rigorous professional placement year with Answers Investigation.
Born in Astana, Kazakhstan, and fluent in both Russian and English, Daria bridges the gap between academic theory and real-world tradecraft. In this conversation, she pulls back the curtain on what it is really like to step out of the lecture hall and directly into the field, covering everything from complex data analysis and detailed research to the high-stakes world of surveillance and forensics. Whether you are an aspiring investigator or a true crime enthusiast, Daria’s unique perspective on modern private detection is not to be missed.
Key Takeaways

The Academic Leap: How studying Criminology at the University of Bath translates into the unpredictable world of private investigation.
Field Tradecraft: Firsthand insights into learning surveillance, gathering evidence, and handling complex research projects.
Bilingual Advantages: How language skills and a multicultural background benefit cross-border investigations.
The Future of PI Work: Why modern private detection requires a deep understanding of cyber surveillance, logistics, and data analysis over traditional stereotypes.

Episode Chapters & Timestamps

[00:00] – Introduction to Daria Simpson-Dernovaya and her journey from Kazakhstan to the UK.
[08:15] – The Reality of a Placement Year: Balancing university theory with active casework at Answers Investigation.
[17:40] – Behind the Lens: The adrenaline and patience required for real-world surveillance.
[26:10] – Forensics and Analysis: Looking at data to solve corporate and private mysteries.
[33:45] – Advice for the next generation of criminologists and private investigators.

Links & Resources Mentioned

Guest Profile: Read more about Daria's background on her official Daria Simpson-Dernovaya Profile Page.
Agency Website: Explore the services and team behind her placement at Answers Investigation.
Support the Show: Send your questions or case feedback to the team at [email protected]





Participants: Daria Simpson-Dernovoya, Harry Watts
Readers: Adina Loliceru, Nigel Parsons, Freya Holmberg
Learn more by visiting www.private-detectives.co.uk/criminal/defence.htm
Company details at www.private-detectives.co.uk/
To contact us email [email protected]
Tel: +44 207 158 0332

13/07/2026

World Cup Special | Detective Diaries
Detective Jim Luck tackles his most bizarre case yet: protecting soccer history from the USA Presidents trophy collection
Episode Summary
The world-famous Jules Rimet trophy goes missing right before a major FIFA gala. The prime suspect? Ronald Rump. He plans to submerge the solid-gold prize inside the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Why? He claims it makes the water look "luxurious and highly prestigious."
Detective Jim Luck uses sheer, accidental luck to infiltrate the Washington war room. He must foil the plot before the national monument gets turned into a golden foot spa
Key Takeaways From This Episode

The Gravitational Pivot:
Holiday Vulnerabilities: Why smoky backyards and loud fireworks provide the ultimate cover-up for a missing bottle of secret BBQ sauce.
The Forensic Footprint: How our "expert" digital investigators used mobile forensics to track a rogue lawnmower's GPS coordinates straight to the burger station.
The Psychology of the Inside Threat: An analysis of the Chief of Staff's suspicious obsession with taking over the grill.

Episode Highlights

The Declaration of Independence: Detective Jim Luck saves the day of July 4th

About Detective Diaries
Detective Diaries is presented by Answers Investigation, a leading UK-based private investigation firm. Each episode explores the realities of surveillance, forensics, and the human stories behind every case.
Connect with Us

Website: Answers Investigation
Fingerprinting Services: UK Fingerprint
Email: Send your questions or case suggestions to [email protected]

Follow: Subscribe on Spotify, Podbean, or Apple Podcasts.



Phone: +44 207 158 0332

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06/07/2026

From Interrogation to Conversation: The Science of Getting the Truth with Professor Raymond Bull
Episode Summary
In this forthcoming episode of Detective Diaries, we sit down with the world-renowned pioneer of forensic psychology, Professor Raymond Bull, Professor of Criminal Investigation at the University of Derby. For decades, the criminal justice system relied on high-pressure, "common-sense" interrogations that frequently backfired or resulted in false confessions. Professor Bull has spent his career dismantling those flawed practices. He walks us through the evolutionary shift from coercive interrogation to rapport-based investigative interviewing. Learn how psychological principles are used today to interview suspects, victims, and witnesses to uncover the ground truth.

Key Takeaways From This Episode

The Death of Coercion: Why high-pressure interrogation tactics fail and how ethical, science-backed communication leads to more reliable intelligence.
The PEACE Method: An inside look at the revolutionary five-step interviewing framework (Preparation, Engage, Account, Closure, Evaluate) that Professor Bull helped pioneer.
The Art of Information Disclosure: How strategic, gradual revelation of evidence places tactical cognitive load on deceptive suspects, allowing investigators to accurately determine truths from lies.
Protecting the Vulnerable: The development of global standards and the "Achieving Best Evidence" guidance to safely interview children and vulnerable witnesses.
Real-World Impact: Professor Bull reflects on his work as an expert witness in over 150 major cases, including high-profile international inquiries.

About the Guest
Professor Raymond Bull DSc is a part-time Professor of Criminal Investigation at the University of Derby and Emeritus Professor of Forensic Psychology at the University of Leicester. He is a recipient of the Outstanding Contribution Award from the American Psychology-Law Society and an Honorary Fellow of the British Psychological Society. His landmark textbook, Investigative Interviewing: Psychology and Practice, remains the industry gold-standard text for law enforcement globally.

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Support the Show
If you love pulling back the curtain on the gritty, complex world of real investigation, help our independent podcast grow!

Subscribe: Hit the follow button on Detective Diaries on Spotify or find us on the Podbean App so you never miss an episode.
Leave a Review: Ratings and written reviews help other true crime and forensic investigation enthusiasts find our diaries.




Connect with Us

Website: Answers Investigation
Fingerprinting Services: UK Fingerprint
Contact: Email the Podcast Team [email protected]


Credits:
Interviewer: Harry Watts
Interview with: Professor Raymond Bull
Readers: Etienne Middleton, Freya Holmberg

29/06/2026

Daria, Private Eye – Interview with Daria Simpson-Dernovaya
This episode of Detective Diaries features Daria Simpson-Dernovaya from Answers Investigation, who discusses transitioning from Criminology studies at the University of Bath to field investigation. The conversation highlights how a digital-native perspective and bilingual English-Russian skills are reshaping modern surveillance, tracking, and international corporate investigations. Read more about Daria at Answers Investigation.


Participants: Daria Simpson-Dernovoya, Harry Watts
Readers: Adina Loliceru, Nigel Parsons, Freya Holmberg
Learn more by visiting www.private-detectives.co.uk/criminal/defence.htm
Company details at www.private-detectives.co.uk/
To contact us email [email protected]
Tel: +44 207 158 0332

22/06/2026

Eugène François Vidocq – The Legend of the world’s first Private Detective
Episode Summary
From a teenage thief and prison escape artist to the world's first private detective, Eugène François Vidocq lived a life more cinematic than fiction. In this episode, we explore how a master criminal flipped the script to build the world’s first modern police agency, invent forensic science, and inspire iconic characters like Jean Valjean and Sherlock Holmes.
Mind-Blowing Facts From This Episode

Vidocq escaped prison disguised as a sailor, a nun, and a guard.
He hired former convicts for his police force, believing only criminals could catch criminals.
He created the first plaster casts of shoe prints to solve a murder case.

Featured Quotes
"It takes a thief to catch a thief." — The famous philosophy popularized by Vidocq.
"He was a genius of disguise, changing his height, posture, and facial expressions so completely that even his closest friends didn't recognize him." — Episode Host

If you enjoy this podcast, listen in as well to:
The story of Guiseppe Dosi, the Italian Detective famous for disguises: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5kUqdCR44bXE7OPySaDQgG?si=55bfdc8461544337
And:
Frederick Abberline, the ‘Jack the Ripper’ Detective:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/69AhFXHzF99OwdLLfPJ6Di?si=88fa30a7e3e54b9f
Credits:
Narrator: Nigel Parsons
Readers: AC McKeith, Deb Parsons, Adina Loliceru

Learn more by visiting www.private-detectives.co.uk/criminal/defence.htm
Company details at www.private-detectives.co.uk/
To contact us email [email protected]
Tel: +44 207 158 0332

15/06/2026

Independence Day POTUS | Detective Diaries
250 years of American Independence is jeopardised by the theft of the Declaration of Independence. Jim Luck investigates and saves the day
Episode Summary
In this hilariously chaotic episode of Detective Diaries, presented by Answers Investigation, we swap serious stakeouts for a completely fictional, high-stakes political comedy of errors. It is the 4th of July, and the Leader of the Free World has a catastrophic crisis on his hands: the secret presidential barbecue rub recipe has been stolen, and the prime suspect is an over-ambitious robotic lawnmower.
Join our investigative team as we track a "threat grid" consisting entirely of burnt hot dogs, rogue fireworks, and a missing stash of potato salad. From analyzing "top-secret" audio files of the President arguing with a grill to conducting forensic footprint analysis on a suspicious Golden Retriever, this episode pulls back the curtain on the funniest fictional investigation of the summer. It turns out preserving national stability is hard; surviving a holiday cookout is harder.
Key Takeaways From This Episode

The High-Value Target: A breakdown of the President’s top priority: perfect grill marks and an uninterrupted afternoon nap.
Holiday Vulnerabilities: Why smoky backyards and loud fireworks provide the ultimate cover-up for a missing bottle of secret BBQ sauce.
The Forensic Footprint: How our "expert" digital investigators used mobile forensics to track a rogue lawnmower's GPS coordinates straight to the burger station.
The Psychology of the Inside Threat: An analysis of the Chief of Staff's suspicious obsession with taking over the grill.

Episode Highlights

The Declaration of Independence: Detective Jim Luck saves the day of July 4th

About Detective Diaries
Detective Diaries is presented by Answers Investigation, a leading UK-based private investigation firm. Each episode explores the realities of surveillance, forensics, and the human stories behind every case.
Connect with Us

Website: Answers Investigation
Fingerprinting Services: UK Fingerprint
Email: Send your questions or case suggestions to [email protected]

Follow: Subscribe on Spotify, Podbean, or Apple Podcasts.



Phone: +44 207 158 0332

Hashtags

30/05/2026

TRAILER - Moonlighting | Detective Diaries
To hear the full episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/74VGzp064lCUjMWjuwVKXH?si=2be9f2421db64acc
In this week's episode, we’re diving into a phenomenon that’s becoming increasingly common in the modern workplace: Moonlighting. But we’re not talking about the 80s TV show—though there's plenty of drama here too. We’re talking about employees who lead double lives, working second jobs (often for competitors) on their company’s dime.
Inside the Investigation
When an employer suspects a staff member isn't just "working from home" but actually "working for someone else," they call in the experts at Answers Investigation. This episode explores the high-stakes world of corporate surveillance and the legal minefields investigators must navigate to prove a breach of contract.
We sit down with lead investigators to discuss:

The Red Flags: How a simple drop in productivity or a suspicious LinkedIn update can trigger a full-scale corporate inquiry.
The Financial Toll: Beyond the lost hours, we look at the massive financial cost to employers through stolen trade secrets and resource misappropriation.
Surveillance Tactics: How modern P*s use a blend of old-school "trench-coat" tailing and cutting-edge digital forensics to catch double-dippers in the act.

Key Discussion Points

The Reputational Risk: Why moonlighting isn't just a HR headache—it’s a threat to a brand’s integrity and client trust.
Legal Intricacies: Navigating strict UK privacy laws while gathering admissible evidence for industrial tribunals.
Real-World Case Study: A deep dive into a recent investigation where a "star employee" was found running a rival start-up during their lunch breaks.

Why This Matters
Whether you’re a business owner protecting your assets or a curious listener interested in the ethics of the modern side-hustle, this episode offers a rare look at the invisible battles fought in the shadows of the corporate world.
Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Connect With Us

Official Website: Answers Investigation
Fingerprinting Services: UK Fingerprint
Email Us: [email protected]
Follow on Socials: Join our community for behind-the-scenes insights and case updates.

Hashtags:

Do you suspect a "double-dipper" in your organization, or have you ever successfully caught a moonlighter? Let us know your thoughts by reaching out to our team at [email protected]

In this gripping episode of Detective Diaries, titled Moonlighting, we dive into a case that blurs the lines between professional duty and personal secrecy. What begins as a routine investigation quickly unravels into a tangled web of hidden identities, late-night dealings, and motives that are anything but straightforward.
The story centers on a respected professional whose seemingly ordinary life conceals a second, far more dangerous existence. When a suspicious incident occurs under the cover of darkness, detectives are forced to confront a perplexing question: how well can you ever truly know someone? As evidence begins to surface, it becomes clear that this is not just a case of wrongdoing—it’s a carefully constructed double life.
Throughout the episode, listeners are taken step-by-step through the investigative process. From the initial crime scene analysis to the painstaking collection of witness statements, Moonlighting highlights the meticulous work that goes into uncovering the truth. The detectives follow a trail of inconsistencies—odd work schedules, unexplained absences, and financial irregularities—that slowly point toward a hidden reality.
What makes this episode particularly compelling is its exploration of motive. Why would someone risk everything to lead a double life? The detectives examine the psychological and emotional factors at play, shedding light on the pressures, ambitions, or secrets that can drive a person to such extremes. As the narrative unfolds, listeners are encouraged to consider the complexities of human behavior and the masks people wear in their daily lives.
The tension builds as the investigation reaches a turning point, revealing connections that were previously overlooked. Key interviews and unexpected revelations shift the direction of the case, forcing detectives to reassess their assumptions. Each new piece of evidence adds another layer to the mystery, keeping listeners engaged and guessing until the very end.
Moonlighting also underscores the importance of persistence in detective work. Leads go cold, theories fall apart, and progress can feel frustratingly slow. Yet, it is the determination of the investigative team that ultimately drives the case forward. Their ability to adapt, question, and dig deeper proves crucial in uncovering the truth.
As the episode concludes, the full scope of the double life is brought into focus, offering a resolution that is both surprising and thought-provoking. The case serves as a powerful reminder that appearances can be deceiving, and that even the most ordinary lives can harbour extraordinary secrets.
Whether you’re a true crime enthusiast or simply fascinated by human psychology, Moonlighting delivers a compelling blend of suspense, insight, and real-world detective work. Tune in to experience a story where nothing is quite as it seems—and where the truth only comes to light after dark.

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