The Moscow Murders and More

Leon Black’s fall from grace at the Museum of Modern Art came in early 2021, after intense public backlash over his deep financial relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Reports revealed that Black had paid Epstein approximately $158 million for tax and estate advisory services, long after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting sex from a minor. The revelations sparked outrage across New York’s art world, with artists, staff, and activists demanding his removal from MoMA’s board. Protesters accused the museum of moral hypocrisy for maintaining ties with a man linked to Epstein’s network, arguing that his presence tainted the institution’s credibility and mission. As pressure mounted from both within and outside MoMA, calls for his resignation grew louder, and donors began quietly voicing discomfort about his continued leadership.In March 2021, facing unrelenting scrutiny, Black announced that he would step down as chairman of MoMA’s board and not seek re-election when his term ended. While he technically remained on the board as a trustee, his exit from the chairmanship was viewed as a forced retreat under immense public pressure. His resignation from the top spot came shortly after he also resigned as CEO of Apollo Global Management amid the same Epstein scandal. MoMA attempted to minimize the fallout by framing his departure as voluntary, but the timing — coming amid protests and reputational damage — made clear that Black’s position had become untenable. His exit marked one of the most high-profile instances of cultural institutions severing ties with financiers connected to Epstein.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

Guzel Ganieva, a former Russian model, accused billionaire Leon Black of sexual abuse, coercion, and defamation stemming from a relationship that began in 2008. She alleged that Black raped her in 2014, engaged in “sadistic sexual acts,” and forced her into signing a nondisclosure agreement under duress to keep her silent. Ganieva claimed that Black used his wealth and power to control her and made payments to maintain her silence. Black denied all wrongdoing, describing the relationship as consensual and accusing Ganieva of extortion. The lawsuit gained national attention due to Black’s high-profile status as co-founder of Apollo Global Management and his financial ties to Jeffrey Epstein.In March 2023, Ganieva fired her legal team, Wigdor LLP, citing an “irrevocable breakdown” in their attorney-client relationship and moved to represent herself. A New York State Supreme Court judge later granted Wigdor’s request to withdraw. In May 2023, a judge dismissed Ganieva’s defamation claims, ruling that the nondisclosure agreement she signed — and accepted $9.5 million from — barred her case and that she had ratified the deal by taking its benefits. Ganieva appealed, but courts have continued to uphold the dismissal. Black later sued both Ganieva and her former law firm for malicious prosecution, alleging reputational damage, and while parts of that countersuit were dismissed, other claims were allowed to proceed.to contact me:bobbyapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

In June 2023, JPMorgan Chase agreed to pay $290 million to settle a class-action lawsuit brought by victims of Jeffrey Epstein, who accused the bank of enabling and profiting from his sex trafficking network. The lawsuit alleged that JPMorgan knowingly ignored numerous red flags — including large cash withdrawals, suspicious payments, and Epstein’s prior criminal conviction — in order to retain his lucrative business. Victims claimed the bank’s failure to act made it complicit in sustaining Epstein’s operation. The settlement, which did not include an admission of wrongdoing, was approved by U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff, marking one of the largest payouts ever by a financial institution tied to a human trafficking case.However, the deal faced backlash from 17 state attorneys general, including those from New Mexico, California, and the District of Columbia, who objected to the language of the settlement. They argued that its release terms were overly broad and could prevent state governments from pursuing future legal claims related to Epstein or other trafficking cases involving JPMorgan. The attorneys general warned that the agreement could unintentionally shield the bank from government enforcement actions under state or federal anti-trafficking laws. Despite their objections, Judge Rakoff ultimately approved the settlement, ruling that the release language did not infringe on the sovereign enforcement rights of states and that the agreement was fair, reasonable, and in the best interest of the victims.to contact  me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

The parents of Kaylee Goncalves and the family of Xana Kernodle both made comments during an interview with 48 hours that is set to hit the airwaves on Saturday night about the upcoming trial of Bryan Kohberger.The Goncalves have been very vocal throughout the investigation about accountability and there steadfast desire to see justice served and they have not moved from that stance one single inch since.In this episode, we hear from the parents of Kaylee Goncalves and we also hear form Xana Kernodle's sister.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Father of Kaylee Goncalves, one of four murdered University of Idaho students, says there is evidence his daughter fought back - CBS NewsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

From the archives: 5-24-23The news surrounding the trial of Bryan Kohberger and the investigation into the murders in Moscow continues to evolve at quick pace. With the recent grand jury news and then the indictment on all five counts that came in the aftermath, there has been plenty to try and keep up with.In this episode, we take a look at several different headlines, including the filing of the tort notice.(commercial at 9:06)to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Idaho college murders update: Bryan Kohberger alleged victims’ families prepare to sue Moscow university | The IndependentBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

Buzzfeed reached out to People Magazine about the comment made by the owner of the Mad Greek about Bryan Kohberger allegedly going there for lunch at least twice. According to the owner of the Mad Greek, the reporting by People is nothing more than a lie. People however disputes this and they are standing firmly behind their reporting.So, who should we believe? Let's dive in and take a look!(commercial at 8:57)to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:People Said It Stands By Its Reporting That The Idaho Stabbings Suspect Ordered Pizza From The Restaurant Where Two Of The Victims Worked Even Though The Restaurant Owner Called The Story "Completely Fabricated" (msn.com)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

From the archives: 5-19-23Steve Goncalves, the father of Kaylee Goncalves, gave an interview to news nation recently where he discussed the upcoming arraignment of Bryan Kohberger and what the plan for the the Goncalves family will be come trial day. He also touched on some of the other families and how he has been in contact with them as the court date approaches and he expressed his thanks to the surviving housemates for the information they have provided to the police.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Kaylee Goncalves’ father thanks roommates who survived Idaho murders for helping in Bryan Kohberger case | The IndependentBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

Liza Gardner’s lawsuit, filed in November 2023 under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, alleges that in 1990 she was sexually assaulted by Sean “Diddy” Combs and singer Aaron Hall when she was 16 years old. According to her complaint, Gardner attended an event hosted by MCA Records, where she and a friend were given drinks and then invited to an after-party at Hall’s apartment. She claims Combs coerced her into having sex with him, then as she was dressing, Hall entered the room, pinned her down, and forced her to have sex with him too. She also asserts that in the days following the assault, Combs came to her home, beat and choked her until she lost consciousness.In her amended complaint, Gardner emphasizes that she was a minor at the time—under New York’s age of consent in 1990—and contends that she could not legally consent to drinking alcohol with the accused. She further alleges that the sexual assault left her with lasting psychological harm, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and difficulty forming relationships.to  contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:gov.uscourts.njd.551633.42.0.pdfBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

Liza Gardner’s lawsuit, filed in November 2023 under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, alleges that in 1990 she was sexually assaulted by Sean “Diddy” Combs and singer Aaron Hall when she was 16 years old. According to her complaint, Gardner attended an event hosted by MCA Records, where she and a friend were given drinks and then invited to an after-party at Hall’s apartment. She claims Combs coerced her into having sex with him, then as she was dressing, Hall entered the room, pinned her down, and forced her to have sex with him too. She also asserts that in the days following the assault, Combs came to her home, beat and choked her until she lost consciousness.In her amended complaint, Gardner emphasizes that she was a minor at the time—under New York’s age of consent in 1990—and contends that she could not legally consent to drinking alcohol with the accused. She further alleges that the sexual assault left her with lasting psychological harm, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and difficulty forming relationships.to  contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:gov.uscourts.njd.551633.42.0.pdfBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

From the very beginning, confusion wasn’t a byproduct of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal—it was the blueprint. The overlapping jurisdictions, sealed filings, contradictory statements, and conveniently “lost” evidence weren’t mistakes; they were smoke screens. Every agency, from the DOJ to the FBI, played its part in creating a legal labyrinth so dense that the public would lose track of who was responsible for what. The result? A tangled web of “ongoing investigations” and “confidential agreements” that made it nearly impossible to follow the truth to its source. Epstein’s sweetheart plea deal, the destruction of surveillance footage, and the endless redactions were all gears in the same machine: controlled chaos that guaranteed plausible deniability at every level.And it worked. The public got dizzy trying to track timelines, jurisdictions, and shifting narratives, while those who pulled the strings quietly slipped out of view. Every layer of confusion—who prosecuted, who didn’t, who was “technically” covered by a deal—bought more time for the system to protect itself. Epstein’s death only deepened the fog, allowing the media, courts, and power players to endlessly recycle distraction while the core question—who else was involved—got buried under noise. The cover-up was never about clarity or closure; it was about exhaustion. Make it confusing enough, make people doubt their own understanding, and eventually, most stop asking. That’s not incompetence—that’s strategy.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

The Supreme Court’s decision not to hear Ghislaine Maxwell’s appeal effectively weakened the legal shield once thought to protect Jeffrey Epstein’s network of alleged co-conspirators under his 2007 Florida non-prosecution agreement (NPA). That refusal signaled that the deal’s immunity applied only within the Southern District of Florida, not nationwide—opening the door for other jurisdictions to pursue charges tied to Epstein’s broader trafficking operation. Prosecutors in places like New York or the U.S. Virgin Islands may now be emboldened to indict figures such as Sarah Kellen (Vickers), Lesley Groff, Adriana Ross, and Nadia Marcinkova, all of whom were named as “unindicted co-conspirators” in the Florida deal. Each played a different role—from scheduling and recruiting victims to managing finances and flights—but their activities often crossed state and international lines, placing much of their conduct outside the reach of the original agreement.The Supreme Court’s silence carries major implications: if even Maxwell, Epstein’s closest associate, failed to convince the courts that the NPA protected her, it’s unlikely lesser aides will succeed in claiming immunity elsewhere. This outcome reshapes the prosecutorial landscape—transforming a once-untouchable circle into viable targets for renewed investigation and potential indictment. For victims, it represents a long-delayed opening for broader accountability; for prosecutors, it removes the procedural fear that cases could collapse on technical immunity grounds. In short, the Maxwell decision didn’t just end her appeal—it cracked open the door for justice to finally reach those who operated behind Epstein’s curtain of secrecy.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

Virginia Roberts Giuffre’s unpublished memoir The Billionaire’s Playboy Club recounts her recruitment into Jeffrey Epstein’s world as a 16-year-old working at Mar-a-Lago, where she says Ghislaine Maxwell lured her in with promises of opportunity and travel. The manuscript describes how she became trapped in Epstein’s orbit, allegedly forced into sexual encounters with powerful men, including Prince Andrew, and ferried across his properties in New York, Florida, and the Virgin Islands. Giuffre paints a detailed picture of coercion, psychological manipulation, and the disturbing normalization of exploitation within Epstein’s high-society circle.In this episode, we begin our journey through that memoir.   to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Virgina Giuffre Billionaire's Playboy Club | DocumentCloudBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

In late 2022, a plaintiff identified as “Jane Doe 1” filed a civil suit in Manhattan federal court accusing JPMorgan Chase of enabling Jeffrey Epstein’s sex-trafficking operations by facilitating his financial transactions, ignoring red flags, and providing essential services to his network. The complaint asked the court to certify the case as a class action, representing all women who were abused or trafficked by Epstein during the period when he held accounts or related financial relationships with JPMorgan (from about January 1, 1998, to August 19, 2013).On June 12, 2023, Judge Jed Rakoff granted Jane Doe’s motion for class certification under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23, officially recognizing the case as a class action.   JPMorgan later agreed to a tentative $290 million settlement with the now-certified class of Epstein survivors, a deal which was subsequently approved by the court.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

In her civil racketeering (CICO) investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s operations in the U.S. Virgin Islands, former Attorney General Denise George aggressively sought detailed financial records and transactional documents to trace how Epstein’s wealth was structured, moved, and possibly laundered through shell companies, banks, and trusts. Her office subpoenaed institutions such as JPMorgan Chase, Deutsche Bank, and Citibank, demanding account statements, wire transfers, communications, and internal documents tied to more than 30 corporate entities and trusts connected to Epstein.George’s subpoenas and lawsuits did more than simply map Epstein’s money flows—they asserted that major financial players may have knowingly facilitated or concealed elements of his sex trafficking enterprise. In December 2022, she filed a federal suit accusing JPMorgan of “turning a blind eye” to Epstein’s operations and of financially benefiting from themIn her effort to dig into Jeffrey Epstein’s financial networks under the Virgin Islands’ CICO (racketeering) statute, Attorney General Denise George asked U.S. District Judge Loretta Preska to unseal and grant her access to court documents, including deposition transcripts and filings in related Epstein-linked proceedings. In September of 2020, Preska granted part—but not all—of George’s request, allowing her to review certain sealed materials while still protecting sensitive portions.This decision by Preska gave George a stronger footing in her investigation, enabling her team to follow paper trails, understand prior testimony, and press subpoenas against financial institutions with more clarity on the evidentiary landscape. At the same time, Preska maintained limitations on disclosure, balancing public interest and transparency against privacy, privilege, and security concernsto contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

Bradley Edwards, a longtime attorney for dozens of Jeffrey Epstein survivors, has been outspoken about Prince Andrew’s role in the Epstein saga, though he remains cautious given legal constraints. Edwards has said he believes Andrew does have relevant information about Epstein’s network and associations. He has suggested that the Prince’s connections—though not necessarily indicative of direct wrongdoing—warrant deeper scrutiny. Edwards has also reiterated that he is bound by client privilege, and so cannot disclose details if his clients have not permitted itEdwards, who has represented many of Jeffrey Epstein’s survivors, has aggressively pursued accountability not just for Epstein but for those who may have abetted or benefited from his operations. In public interviews and filings, Edwards has argued that Epstein’s transactions, travel, and relationships point to a far larger ecosystem of enabling actors—financial institutions, intermediaries, and elite figures—who must also be scrutinized. He has asserted that his clients deserve full disclosure, demanding that sealed and redacted documents be unsealed to reveal whether names of prominent figures were concealed under the veil of “privacy” or other procedural claims.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

When a prosecutor seeks to limit the alibi of a suspect, it means they are attempting to challenge or restrict the evidence or testimony that supports the suspect's claim of innocence. An alibi is a defense strategy in which the accused asserts that they were somewhere else at the time the crime was committed, thus making it impossible for them to have committed the offense.Here's a breakdown of what it typically entails:Investigation of the Alibi: The prosecutor may investigate the alibi thoroughly to determine its validity. This may involve interviewing witnesses, examining physical evidence, reviewing surveillance footage, or obtaining records that could corroborate or refute the alibi.Challenging the Alibi: If the prosecutor believes the alibi is weak or fabricated, they may seek to challenge it during the trial. This could involve presenting contradictory evidence, questioning the credibility of alibi witnesses, or arguing that the suspect had the opportunity to commit the crime despite the alibi.Motion to Limit or Exclude Alibi Evidence: In some cases, the prosecutor may file a motion to limit or exclude certain aspects of the alibi evidence from being presented in court. This could be based on legal grounds such as relevance, reliability, or procedural rules. For example, if the alibi witness has a history of dishonesty or bias, the prosecutor may argue that their testimony should be excluded.Pretrial Hearing: The judge may hold a pretrial hearing to consider the prosecutor's motion to limit the alibi evidence. Both the defense and the prosecution would have the opportunity to present arguments and evidence supporting their positions.Ruling by the Judge: The judge will make a decision based on the arguments presented and applicable legal standards. If the judge grants the prosecutor's motion, certain aspects of the alibi evidence may be restricted or excluded from the trial. If the motion is denied, the defense will be allowed to present the alibi evidence to the jury.In this episode, we head back up to Idaho to check in on the Bryan Kohberger trial and the battle over his alibi that continues to rage inside of the courtroom.    (commercial at 8:41)to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Attorneys in Idaho student homicides argue for pretrial wins | Idaho StatesmanBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

From the archives: 2-3-23On today's edition of the morning update, we get right back into the headlines that we might have missed from overnight and see where things currently stand as of this morning.(commercial at 7:12)to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Idaho murders updates: FBI denies losing Bryan Kohberger as students recall him ‘staring’ on Moscow campus | The IndependentBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

Bryan Kohberger and his legal team have a monumental task in front of them. Considering what appears to be a mountain of strong evidence presented by the prosecution, things certainly could be going better for the former PhD student.However, his team will have their chance to question the surviving roommates at trial and try to poke holes in their story. The question is, what sort of strategy might they use?In this episode, we take a look at the surviving roommates looming testimony and what team Kohberger might be cooking up to try to counter balance it.(commercial at 8:16)to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Defense going to 'jump on' surviving Idaho roommate Dylan Mortensen when she testifies in Bryan Kohberger trial (nypost.com)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

We are learning more about the items that were seized when the police raided Bryan Kohberger's family home in Pennsylvania and several of the more than 60 items were concerning. When we first were discussing this new warrant, it seemed underwhelming. I think it's safe to say that things have certainly changed.(commercial at 7:12)to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Knife, gun and ammunition seized from Bryan Kohberger's Pennsylvania home, unsealed warrant reveals | Daily Mail OnlineBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

The Supreme Court’s refusal to hear Ghislaine Maxwell’s appeal effectively upheld lower court rulings that the 2007 non-prosecution agreement (NPA) Jeffrey Epstein signed in Florida does not extend protection to alleged co-conspirators outside that district. This leaves the NPA confined to the Southern District of Florida and strips it of the national immunity once implied by Epstein’s legal team. As a result, prosecutors in other jurisdictions—such as New York, New Mexico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands—are now free to pursue fresh indictments against individuals connected to Epstein’s trafficking network without fearing dismissal on immunity grounds. The Court’s silence sends a clear message: the NPA was local, not global, and its co-conspirator clause does not bind the rest of the United States.This outcome marks a pivotal shift in the Epstein saga. For years, the Florida deal acted as a roadblock to federal accountability, shielding those who helped facilitate Epstein’s crimes from prosecution elsewhere. But the Supreme Court’s inaction on Maxwell’s appeal erodes that shield, creating new prosecutorial opportunities for cases tied to interstate trafficking, financial transfers, and recruitment that took place beyond Florida’s borders. It sets a precedent that the law can reach further than a secret plea deal brokered nearly two decades ago—signaling a potential reckoning for others who, until now, have remained beyond the reach of justice.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.