A new, spine-chilling true-crime podcast series, Kill List, has hit the airwaves, offering listeners a gripping journey into one of the darkest corners of the internet: the dark web. The series, produced by Wondery and Novel, investigates a murder-for-hire website, a platform lurking beneath the surface of the web, that facilitates horrifying acts targeting innocent people worldwide. The show, hosted by Carl Miller—a tech journalist, author, and founder of CASM at the think tank Demos—delivers a harrowing narrative of a multi-year investigation with life-and-death stakes.
Host Carl Miller: A Journalist Thrown Into a Web of Danger
Carl Miller, a leading figure in digital research, had no idea that his work would lead him down such a treacherous path. His journey into this dark underworld began with the discovery of a secret Kill List—a list of names posted on a murder-for-hire website targeting individuals across the globe. The sheer scale of this revelation was nothing short of horrifying, and as Miller dug deeper, he realized the gravity of the situation.
Despite the gravity of the findings, police agencies initially declined to pursue the investigation. Left with no choice, Carl took matters into his own hands, embarking on a dangerous mission to notify the people whose lives were at risk and to uncover the forces behind the chilling plot.
But how do you inform someone that their life is in danger because a stranger on the internet has placed an order for their murder? This was the nightmarish dilemma that Carl faced—a terrifying reality that framed the unfolding drama.
As Carl attempted to track down victims and warn them, the cases expanded at an alarming rate. His challenge was no longer about simply warning individuals; it became a global struggle to convince international authorities to intervene. In a world where cybercrime often operates beyond the reach of law enforcement, Carl found himself in a race against time.
With each passing day, more lives were at stake. Victims from different countries, unaware of the danger lurking in the shadows of the dark web, faced immediate threats. The podcast follows Carl’s efforts to expose the perpetrators and bring the terrifying operations of the murder-for-hire website to light. His investigation not only sheds light on a shocking global criminal network but also raises critical questions about digital safety, law enforcement, and accountability.
Inside the Investigation: Four Years of Dangerous and Grueling Work
The scope and depth of the investigation make Kill List more than just another true-crime podcast. This series is the result of over four years of relentless work, where Carl and the team at Novel uncovered countless disturbing details about the dark web’s role in orchestrating real-world violence.
For four years, this work had to be conducted in absolute secrecy. Investigators risked their lives and faced immense psychological strain. Now, with the release of Kill List, this once-secret world has been exposed, offering the public a detailed and unsettling look into one of the most terrifying forms of cybercrime.
Host Carl Miller describes the experience as one of the most terrifying yet impactful investigations of his life. “It’s been an investigation where lives were, at times, literally on the line, and one that has profoundly altered many of the people who were a part of it, including me,” Miller stated.
The team faced challenges at every turn—both technical and emotional. How do you deal with the fact that the lives of real people are at stake? How do you protect them, and at the same time, maintain journalistic integrity in such a sensitive case? These are the questions that the series grapples with, as listeners follow Carl through the highs and lows of his journey.
Novel and Wondery: Pioneers of True Crime Storytelling
Marshall Lewy, the Chief Content Officer of Wondery, explained the shock he felt when he first learned about the Kill List investigation. “From the moment I first heard the shocking premise of Kill List, I couldn’t believe what had been uncovered,” Lewy said. The collaboration between Wondery and Novel, two powerhouses in the podcasting world, has resulted in a compelling and important narrative.
Craig Strachan, CEO of Novel, echoed similar sentiments: “Imagine discovering a secret murder-for-hire website and having to track down individuals and tell them that someone has paid to have them killed.” Strachan lauded the bravery of Carl and his team, emphasizing how the podcast sheds light on the extreme lengths investigators went to in order to save lives.
The podcast’s meticulous reporting is a testament to the effort and dedication behind the scenes. The teams at Wondery and Novel left no stone unturned, working tirelessly to bring this shocking story to life.
Episode Release and Listening Platforms
Listeners eager to immerse themselves in this riveting story can now access the first six episodes of Kill List on Wondery+, starting today, September 23. For those who prefer other platforms, the podcast will be available everywhere from October 8. The series promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats, blending compelling storytelling with powerful investigative journalism.
With episodes dropping weekly, listeners will be drawn deeper into the investigation, as Carl unearths new, terrifying revelations about the dark web’s role in murder-for-hire schemes. This series isn’t just a podcast—it’s a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersections of technology, crime, and global justice.
A Global Wake-Up Call: The Importance of Cybersecurity
Beyond the shocking revelations, Kill List serves as a reminder of the increasing dangers that exist in the unregulated corners of the internet. The dark web is often used as a tool for criminal activities, and without adequate global regulations and awareness, the threats posed by such platforms could grow. This podcast is not just about the individuals directly affected by these plots, but it also raises larger questions about the future of cybersecurity and the responsibility of tech companies and law enforcement.
As digital spaces continue to evolve, so too must our understanding of how criminals exploit these platforms. Kill List shines a light on a terrifying truth: that even the most seemingly safe individuals could fall victim to the dark web’s deadly underworld.
Key Takeaways:
- Kill List Podcast: A new true-crime podcast from Wondery and Novel that exposes a murder-for-hire site on the dark web.
- Carl Miller: The host, journalist, and tech expert who uncovers the plot and attempts to save the targeted individuals.
- Global Impact: The investigation spans across multiple countries, highlighting the limitations of international law enforcement in handling cybercrime.
- Available Now: The first six episodes are available on Wondery+ as of September 23, and will be available on other platforms starting October 8.
- Themes: The podcast delves into the intersections of digital crime, global justice, and the dark realities of the web.
