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Good Bad Billionaire, Good Bad Billionaire, Eike Batista: Golden grifter

Good Bad Billionaire

Good Bad Billionaire

Eike Batista: Golden grifter

June 2, 2025

40 minutes

Available for over a year

To access this episode early and ad-free, subscribe to BBC Podcast on Apple Podcasts. The episode will be available for free with adverts on 2nd June.

Mining magnate Eike Batista was once Brazil’s richest person, but corruption led to his downfall.

BBC business editor Simon Jack and journalist Zing Tsjeng lift the lid on a flashy and eccentric former billionaire who started out in gold mining. Batista then oversaw huge oil, gas and logistics projects but, after his investments crashed, the authorities ordered his arrest.

The podcast that tells tales of titans of technology, Wall Street moguls, pop stars, sporting legends, CEOs and entrepreneurs discusses how Batista built the world’s seventh biggest personal fortune while becoming a celebrity playboy in Brazil. Then Simon and Zing decide if he is good, bad, or just another billionaire.