The Crime Agents brings together former senior police officer Neil Basu and investigative journalist Andy Hughes to explore the realities of crime, policing, and criminal justice. Drawing on decades of experience, the podcast examines major cases, counter-terrorism, corruption, and the stories behind the headlines.
Latest Videos
Former Head of Counter-Terror Breaks Down The Ann Widdecombe Investigation | The Crime Agents (2026)
Counter-Terrorism Police confirmed Ann Widdecombe's killing was a targeted attack, leading to an investigation. Devon & Cornwall Police initially handled the case but handed it to CT Policing days later. The local force first dismissed a political motive, later reversing that stance within 24 hours.
How Lee Rigby's Murder Changed Britain | The Crime Agents (2026)
On 22 May 2013, Fusilier Lee Rigby was killed in London by attackers who filmed their act and remained to confront police. The incident exposed delays in armed response and raised questions about MI5’s awareness of the perpetrators, radicalization of suspects, media coverage of the attack, and its role in fueling a national far-right movement.
Q&A: The Palantir Block, Tipping Off MI5 & 24 Hours In Police Custody | The Crime Agents (2026)
Sir Mark Rowley publicly criticized Sadiq Khan for blocking the Met’s collaboration with Palantir, an AI firm linked to CIA technology. Neil discussed unwritten police leadership rules, acknowledging the intervention’s complexity despite breaking them.
Nottingham Attacks: The Failures That Let A Killer Roam Free | The Crime Agents (2026)
Valdo Calocane, diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and a history of violent offenses, killed three people in Nottingham in June 2023. Families revealed systemic failures by police and mental health services that failed to prevent his access to the public, despite prior warnings, with no accountability pursued for the preventable tragedy.
Q&A: Edinburgh machete attack, Peter Murrell & Andy Burnham’s police protection | The Crime Agents (2026)
Andy Burnham faces potential PM status, with discussion on police protocols for political protection. A knife attack in Edinburgh targeting Muslims, injuring five, sparked debate on media coverage bias. Hosts analyzed news prioritization, sentencing of SNP embezzler Peter Murrell, and bail granted to a suspect in a child-crocodile incident despite murder charges.
Manchester Arena Bombing: The Shocking Failures Exposed | The Crime Agents (2026)
The Manchester Arena bombing in 2017 killed 22 people, including children, when Salman Abedi detonated a bomb at an Ariana Grande concert. His brother, Hashem Abedi, was later prosecuted for his role. Investigations highlighted intelligence failures, community radicalization linked to ISIS, and led to Martyn's Law to enhance counter-terrorism measures.
