Devil in the Desert Podcast: Inside the Hunt for Fugitive Hossein Nayeri

What happens when a seemingly normal man from Newport Beach is revealed as the mastermind behind a gruesome crime? The new true-crime podcast Devil in the Desert, a chilling collaboration between ABC Audio and 20/20, brings to light the haunting tale of Hossein Nayeri—a fugitive whose violent past left scars across California and beyond.

Podcast cover art of Devil in the Desert, a true crime series about fugitive Hossein Nayeri

Launching on June 17, 2025, across all podcast platforms, this gripping six-part series is more than just a crime story. It’s a psychological thriller, an international pursuit, and a rare glimpse into one of the most terrifying cases in modern criminal history.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: The Mojave Discovery — A Bound Woman, A Desert, A Dark Secret

In 2012, a sheriff’s deputy patrolling the Mojave Desert came across a disturbing scene: a woman, bound and disoriented, walking alone under the scorching sun. She wasn’t just escaping danger—she was leading investigators to it.

The woman’s wrists were bound with zip ties.
She had endured psychological and physical trauma.
Her directions took police to a secluded desert location where a savage torture scene had unfolded.
The victim’s roommate had been brutally assaulted and mutilated.

This incident unraveled what would become one of the most high-profile manhunts in recent history.

Chapter 2: The Prime Suspect — Who Is Hossein Nayeri?

As investigators dug deeper, a name surfaced—Hossein Nayeri. A man with a past riddled with secrets, Nayeri was no stranger to law enforcement. He was:

Formerly connected to California’s early medical marijuana movement.
Known for erratic, often aggressive behavior.
A man with international ties, fluent in evasion and deception.

Authorities began building a case linking Nayeri to the violent attack—and the woman’s harrowing escape.

Chapter 3: Fleeing the Law — A Fugitive’s International Trail

As suspicions mounted, Nayeri vanished. His escape wasn’t just a spontaneous flight; it was a meticulously planned exodus. The podcast explores his route:

He first fled Newport Beach.
Traveled through Europe, eventually reaching the Czech Republic.
From there, he made his way to Iran, a country without an extradition treaty with the United States.

For years, Nayeri managed to elude justice while living under the radar.

International Obstacles: Extradition Challenges

One of the biggest challenges for U.S. authorities was navigating international law:

Iran’s refusal to extradite citizens.
Lack of diplomatic leverage.
Jurisdictional limitations when operating in sovereign territories.

This case became as much about diplomatic maneuvering as it was about criminal investigation.

Chapter 4: The Bait — Undercover Operation That Changed Everything

In a rare and bold move, U.S. officials turned to an unlikely asset: Nayeri’s then-wife. The podcast dives deep into this complex operation, revealing how:

Federal authorities recruited her as an undercover informant.
She was tasked with luring Nayeri back to a jurisdiction where he could be arrested.
The operation involved recorded calls, misleading conversations, and even romantic manipulation.

Ultimately, the strategy worked. Nayeri returned—and was promptly arrested.

Chapter 5: Behind Bars — And Another Daring Escape

Justice, however, wasn’t the end of the story.

While awaiting trial, Nayeri pulled off another unbelievable stunt—an audacious escape from custody that stunned authorities:

Using smuggled tools, he and two other inmates broke out of a California jail.
They recorded video footage of their escape using a contraband phone.
The footage later surfaced, showing the trio traveling, laughing, and evading law enforcement.

This bizarre twist added a new chapter to an already unbelievable story.

Chapter 6: Wicked Game — The Documentary Behind the Podcast

While Devil in the Desert is a standalone podcast, it’s also a companion piece to the Hulu docuseries Wicked Game: The Devil in the Desert by ABC News Studios.

Key highlights of the docuseries and podcast include:

Exclusive police interviews with victims and witnesses.
Undercover audio recordings made by Nayeri’s ex-wife.
Self-recorded videos from Nayeri during his escape.
Expert commentary from forensic psychologists and FBI agents.

Together, they offer a 360-degree view of the case.

The Hosts and Creators: Journalistic Excellence in Audio Form

Matt Gutman: Leading the Narrative

The podcast is hosted by Matt Gutman, ABC News’ Chief National Correspondent, who brings:

Years of investigative journalism experience.
A compelling narrative style.
First-hand interviews and exclusive access to case files.

His voice provides clarity to a story filled with chaos.

**Why Devil in the Desert Is a Must-Listen for True Crime Fans**

True crime podcasts are everywhere—but Devil in the Desert sets itself apart through:

Unprecedented access to confidential materials.
A fugitive narrative that spans continents.
A chilling insight into a criminal mind unlike any other.
Production by ABC Audio and 20/20, leaders in investigative storytelling.

How to Listen and What to Expect

Release Date and Platforms

Launches June 17, 2025
Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and all major platforms.

Episode Breakdown (Anticipated)

The Woman in the Desert – The initial discovery
The Torturer’s Past – Nayeri’s background
Escape to Iran – International flight
The Informant Wife – The trap is set
Jailbreak – The recorded escape
Wicked Reflections – Legal aftermath and what’s next

Public Reactions and Impact

Even before launch, Devil in the Desert has generated buzz in the podcasting world, especially among fans of:

Serial
Dr. Death
The Dropout
Dateline NBC

Early listeners describe it as:

“An adrenaline-fueled, high-stakes manhunt brought to life.”
“The kind of true crime that makes you double-check your locks at night.”

Conclusion: The Devil Was Always Among Us

Devil in the Desert doesn’t just tell a crime story. It explores the psychological, social, and judicial dimensions of what makes someone like Hossein Nayeri possible—and how even the most chilling fugitive can still be caught.