This chapter unravels the twisted connections between organized crime and the rise of wealth in Metro Vancouver, the infamous Pickton brothers, whose sudden riches from real estate sales shielded their horrific crimes. We’ll also explore the murders of stockbrokers, the disappearance of Nick and Lisa Masee, and the brazen assassinations that point to a deeper, more insidious web of corruption involving gangs and white-collar criminals.

In this tangled web, gang violence, drug trafficking, and money laundering run alongside legitimate businesses. The same fortunes that flowed into the city’s penthouses have been funneled through Vancouver’s streets, tainting both legal enterprises and the growing criminal empire. It is in this murky landscape that Vancouver’s present-day chaos took root.

From the rise of biker gangs and drug trade to the mysterious disappearances and assassinations that followed, the consequences of this toxic blend of greed and violence echo through the Lower Mainland, shaping the city we see today. This is the story of Vancouver's hidden underworld—where money, crime, and chaos collided.

My Journey of Quitting Drugs and Alcohol: A Personal Reflection"

In this deeply personal episode, Marc Deveraux—also known as The Dark Mind Detective—shares his raw and transformative journey of quitting drugs and alcohol. Marc explores the psychological, social, and environmental influences that fueled his addiction, from the high-stakes social scenes to professional stress and the pursuit of a "high-status" lifestyle. Reflecting on how these factors shaped his past and nearly consumed him, Marc candidly discusses the turning points that led him to sobriety.

This episode goes beyond personal narrative, offering insights into the broader psychology of addiction while showing that recovery is possible through resilience, self-mastery, and understanding the root causes of addiction. Marc’s story is a testament to the power of personal transformation, aiming to inspire others on their path to healing and self-discovery.

Agents Dexter and Lexie discuss in-depth study of the Canadian drug situation between 1980 and 2001, examines the challenges of accurately assessing drug trends due to the inherent secrecy of the illegal drug market and the inconsistencies in data collection across different agencies. The study criticises the limitations of a supply-based approach to assessing the drug situation and calls for more robust data collection to inform effective drug policies. The second source delves into the psychological underpinnings of drug and alcohol addiction, exploring how social pressures, personal stressors, and the desire for escapism and perceived status can contribute to substance use. The author, a journalist and former addict, draws on his personal experiences to provide a nuanced understanding of the complex factors that lead to addiction and the potential for recovery.

Blood and Money: Vancouver’s Untold Story of Wealth and Crime ( Introduction to the Series )

Vancouver, with its stunning landscapes and bustling economy, hides a darker story beneath its surface. Over the past few decades, the city has become a fertile ground for the intersection of legitimate business and organized crime, where the lines between fast money, gang activity, and financial fraud blur.

 The seeds of corruption planted in the 1990s are now visible in the violence that spills onto the streets today—an underworld built on the profits of drug trafficking, money laundering, and an unchecked real estate boom.

This chapter unravels the twisted connections between organized crime and the rise of wealth in Metro Vancouver, the infamous Pickton brothers, whose sudden riches from real estate sales shielded their horrific crimes. We’ll also explore the murders of stockbrokers, the disappearance of Nick and Lisa Masee, and the brazen assassinations that point to a deeper, more insidious web of corruption involving gangs and white-collar criminals.

In this tangled web, gang violence, drug trafficking, and money laundering run alongside legitimate businesses. The same fortunes that flowed into the city’s penthouses have been funneled through Vancouver’s streets, tainting both legal enterprises and the growing criminal empire. It is in this murky landscape that Vancouver’s present-day chaos took root.

From the rise of biker gangs and drug trade to the mysterious disappearances and assassinations that followed, the consequences of this toxic blend of greed and violence echo through the Lower Mainland, shaping the city we see today. This is the story of Vancouver's hidden underworld—where money, crime, and chaos collided.

(7 min clip)

 Aldous Huxley (1894–1963) wrote Brave New World in 1931 and published it in 1932. The English author and screenwriter was born in Surrey, England and educated at Oxford. He died in Los Angeles, California.

“Technology was made for man and not man for technology.”

A few years after the publication of Brave New World Revisited, the revered novelist appeared on In Conversation with John Morgan to talk about dystopian and utopian worlds and the increasing influence that technology was having over peoples lives. 

Originally broadcast 30 July, 1961.

Meet my New Co-Hosts

"Agent Dexter is the analytical powerhouse of the Dark Mind Detective team. His methodical mind processes vast amounts of data with precision, combing through complex case files and revealing details that might otherwise go unnoticed. Calm, logical, and direct, Dexter’s insights ground each investigation, making even the toughest cases accessible and clear."

"Agent Lexie brings empathy and insight to Dark Mind Detective. Her focus lies on the human elements within each case, offering a voice to victims and exploring psychological layers that shed light on motive and impact. Thoughtful and compassionate, Lexie’s perspective balances Dexter’s analysis, creating a well-rounded narrative for each story."

In this conversation, Agents Dexter and Lexie discuss the symbolic connections between Moby-Dick and the Pickton case. Dexter points out how Captain Ahab’s obsessive pursuit of the whale mirrors society’s struggle to make sense of dark, complex crimes like Pickton’s, which often defy logical understanding. Lexie adds that while Ahab’s fixation led to his destruction, society must balance its quest for justice with empathy for victims and their families. Together, they conclude that Moby-Dick teaches a valuable lesson: in pursuing justice, we must approach the unknown with humility, respect, and compassion to avoid being consumed by the darkness we seek to understand.

Welcome to Vancouver: A Beautiful Descent, your host Marc is a writer and investigative journalist who has spent years researching the unsolved crimes, missing persons, and cold cases along the West Coast of Canada. In this podcast, we’ll be diving deep into one of Vancouver’s most vibrant years—1995—a cultural peak where the city pulsed with life, entertainment, and opportunity.

But beneath that beauty lay a much darker reality, one that too many people were unaware of.

Our story today starts with that year of excitement and ends in the quiet, haunting mystery of Mission Jane Doe, a woman whose remains were found in 1995, just outside of Vancouver.

Her skull, discovered in Mission, British Columbia, was later tied to the horrific crimes of one of Canada’s most notorious serial killers—Robert Pickton. Though her identity remains unknown to this day, her story is a stark reminder of the unsolved disappearances that plagued Vancouver in the late ’90s.

This podcast is dedicated to telling these forgotten stories—stories of the women whose lives were cut tragically short, and whose families may never have had a chance to say goodbye. As we uncover the mystery of Mission Jane Doe, I hope to shed light not only on the horrors of the past but also to bring empathy and understanding to the victims who were lost in Vancouver’s underbelly.

In this inaugural episode, we dive deep into the dial-a-dope trade, a shadowy operation that has become a cornerstone of organized crime in British Columbia.

Join host Marc as he sits down with Chris, a former high-ranking gangster who once managed multiple dial-a-dope operations.

Chris shares his firsthand experience in the drug trade, from his early days running operations on the streets of Vancouver to his time working with dangerous cartels in Mexico and Colombia.

He also sheds light on the violent realities of this illicit business and its profound impact on communities.

But this isn't just a story of crime—it's also a story of redemption. Chris has left his past behind and is now committed to living a life free from the shadows of his former world.

In this gripping conversation, we explore the complexities of the dial-a-dope trade, its connection to organized crime, and the path to recovery.

Tune in to Dark Realities for an eye-opening journey into a world few have seen, but everyone should understand.

Robert Pickton's deadly rampage in Vancouver. In 1997, he murdered 13 women in 1997. Pickton narrowly escaped justice after a harrowing attack on a sex-trade worker. Despite her brave testimony, the charges were dropped, and Pickton continued his reign of terror. Ten years later, he was finally convicted, but the lives of six innocent women were lost in the interim. Join us as we delve into the dark secrets of Pickton's crimes.

Video with Subtitles.

The Crimes of Robert Pickton" is a chilling podcast series hosted by Marc, delving into one of the most monstrous cases in criminal history. Marc grapples with the horror evoked by Robert Pickton's atrocities, from his slaughter of animals on his farm to his predatory targeting of vulnerable women. The podcast highlights systemic failures that allowed Pickton's reign of terror to persist for over two decades, despite numerous red flags and missed opportunities by the justice system.

The narrative also explores recent developments, including controversy over the disposal of evidence from Pickton's farm, sparking opposition from victims' families and advocates for women's rights. The debate over preserving this evidence underscores the ongoing quest for justice and accountability.

DNA evidence tied to Pickton's farm reveals a mass burial ground for human remains, with around eighty unidentified DNA profiles detected, including those of 33 women. The discovery of male DNA on evidence and remains raises questions about potential accomplices and adds complexity to the investigation.

Marc reflects on visiting the Pickton farm and participating in a candlelight vigil with victims' families, emphasizing the stark reality of the case and the ongoing fight for justice. Despite Pickton's sentencing to life in prison in 2007, the families continue to face challenges in their quest for closure and accountability.

Throughout the podcast, Marc aims to provide a clear breakdown of the events while respecting the profound impact on the victims' families and listeners, offering a narrative with discretion and sensitivity.

The Crimes of Robert Pickton" is a chilling podcast series hosted by Marc, delving into one of the most monstrous cases in criminal history. Marc grapples with the horror evoked by Robert Pickton's atrocities, from his slaughter of animals on his farm to his predatory targeting of vulnerable women. The podcast highlights systemic failures that allowed Pickton's reign of terror to persist for over two decades, despite numerous red flags and missed opportunities by the justice system.

The narrative also explores recent developments, including controversy over the disposal of evidence from Pickton's farm, sparking opposition from victims' families and advocates for women's rights. The debate over preserving this evidence underscores the ongoing quest for justice and accountability.

DNA evidence tied to Pickton's farm reveals a mass burial ground for human remains, with around eighty unidentified DNA profiles detected, including those of 33 women. The discovery of male DNA on evidence and remains raises questions about potential accomplices and adds complexity to the investigation.

Marc reflects on visiting the Pickton farm and participating in a candlelight vigil with victims' families, emphasizing the stark reality of the case and the ongoing fight for justice. Despite Pickton's sentencing to life in prison in 2007, the families continue to face challenges in their quest for closure and accountability.

Throughout the podcast, Marc aims to provide a clear breakdown of the events while respecting the profound impact on the victims' families and listeners, offering a narrative with discretion and sensitivity.

n February 5, 2002, the arrest of Robert Pickton marked a pivotal moment in the investigation into the disappearances of numerous women in British Columbia, Canada. Constable Nathan Wells of the RCMP's Coquitlam Detachment played a crucial role in obtaining a search warrant after receiving information about Pickton's possession of an illegal firearm, specifically a Mac 10 FULL AUTO handgun.

Prompted by a former truck driver for the Pickton family who disclosed the presence of illegal firearms on the property, law enforcement swiftly moved to secure a search warrant. The subsequent raid on Pickton's pig farm on February 5 revealed not only several illegal and unregistered firearms but also disturbing evidence linking missing women to the property.

During the search, investigators uncovered women's clothing, shoes, jewelry, and even personal items like an asthma inhaler prescribed to Sereena Abotsway, one of the missing women. The discovery of Mona Wilson's blood in a motorhome further escalated the severity of the situation. Pickton was re-arrested on February 22, 2002, and initially charged with two counts of murder. However, as the investigation progressed, a staggering total of 26 murder charges were eventually laid against him.

While in custody at the Surrey jail, Pickton unknowingly shared a cell with an undercover RCMP officer. Believing the officer to be another detainee, Pickton made chilling admissions, confessing to the murders of 49 women and expressing a desire to make it 50.

Simultaneously, the Pickton pig farm transformed into the largest crime scene in Canadian history, with extensive forensic efforts undertaken to recover evidence. This included the collection of 200,000 DNA samples and the meticulous sifting through 383,000 cubic yards of soil in search of human remains, amounting to a staggering cost of nearly $70 million.

Additionally, incriminating videotapes emerged, featuring conversations with Pickton's acquaintances. Scott Chubb, a friend of Pickton, recounted Pickton suggesting a method to kill a female heroin addict by injecting her with windshield washer fluid. Another tape revealed Pickton allegedly discussing his modus operandi for murdering sex workers, involving handcuffing, strangling, bleeding, and gutting them before feeding their remains to pigs. These tapes provided further damning evidence against Pickton, shedding light on the extent of his depravity and callousness.