On a cold December evening in 2016 a terrified young woman turns up at a brothel in Germany with a French passport but doesn’t speak a word of French. The owner is suspicious and alerts the German authorities, igniting a groundbreaking and history-making global investigation where ancient rituals collide with the modern world of crime fighting.

From RAW, the producers of hits such as The Tinder Swindler, Three Identical Strangers and Don't F**k With Cats, as well as Audible Original, The Second Victim, comes a fast-paced, gripping true crime podcast, CURSED, presented by British-Nigerian journalist Femi Oke (CNN/Aljazeera), with an original score and sound design by South African music producer and DJ, Esa Williams.

Some of the content may be disturbing to some listeners - involving accounts of physical and sexual violence, suicidal thoughts and intense human suffering. So please take care when listening.

Episode 1: The Woman

A terrified young woman turns up at a brothel in Germany with false papers. When she refuses to speak to the police, it becomes clear that someone, or something is controlling her.

Episode 2: The Curse

Detective Mario Lahn is on the hunt for the glamorous woman who brought Kate to Europe. Meanwhile Kate’s phone keeps ringing. Someone is desperate to get hold of her.

Episode 3: The Wiretap

As Mario’s wiretap operation begins, he hears Madam Sandra for the first time. Then the NCA makes an astounding discovery.

Episode 4: The Team

The investigation goes global. It turns out Madam Sandra has a very different life in Nigeria.

Episode 5: The Chameleon

In Benin City, Femi meets people who have known Madam Sandra all her life. Slowly, her path starts to make more sense.

Episode 6: The Spirits

Madam Sandra increases the pressure on Faith. And when her usual phone tactics don't yield results, she summons the spirits.

Episode 7: The Reckoning

Madam Sandra is on a flight back to the UK, where a surprise awaits her.

Episode 8: The Journey

Faith sheds more light on the horrors the women experienced on their way to Europe.

Episode 9: The Revocation

Madam Sandra goes to great lengths to silence her victims.

Episode 10: The Legacy

There’s high drama, histrionics and a shocking surprise. Could Madam Sandra’s business activities extend even further than anyone thought?

Available in Dolby Atmos on Audible.

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If you are affected by any of the themes in this series, the following organisations offer support and information:

Pathfinders Justice Initiative:

https://pathfindersji.org/

The Human Trafficking Foundation:

https://www.humantraffickingfoundation.org/

Anti-Slavery International (campaign group):

https://www.antislavery.org/

ECPAT UK (supporting child victims of trafficking):

https://www.ecpat.org.uk/

Anti-Slavery Commissioner (UK):

https://www.antislaverycommissioner.co.uk/

https://rapecrisis.org.uk/

Samaritans – call 116 123 at any time of day or night if you need someone to talk to. Alternatively email jo@samaritans.org.