Game of Crimes

Murph continues his gripping conversation with Seamus McElearney, a former FBI Special Agent fighting organized crime from the inside. This episode dives deeper into the deadliest phase of mob investigations: informants, witness protection, betrayal, and survival.
Seamus pulls back the curtain on the real-world Mafia behind The Sopranos, revealing how the DeCavalcante crime family—the so-called “Sixth Family”—operated in plain sight while federal agents worked tirelessly to dismantle it. He explains why flipping a capo is never as simple as it sounds, how trust becomes a weapon, and why one wrong move can get people killed.

This episode pulls back the curtain on the high-risk world of informants, the fragile trust required to flip a capo, and the relentless challenges of witness protection, where one mistake can cost lives. Seamus also opens up about the personal toll these investigations took on him and his family—and why cooperation between federal, state, and local agencies is essential in taking down organized crime.
Drawing from his book Flipping Capo, Seamus delivers firsthand insight into how the Mafia actually operates, how informants are protected, and why the war against organized crime is far from over.

This powerful conversation with Chad Meli goes beyond headlines, diving into real-life trafficking cases, rescue operations, and the often-overlooked reality of victim support after recovery. Chad shares firsthand stories that reveal how traffickers exploit technology—and how law enforcement, NGOs, and community partners are using that same technology to fight back.
Chad and Murphy explore the critical role of proactive policing, international and local collaboration, and the emotional toll faced by investigators and advocates working these cases. Chad also breaks down why parental awareness and online safety education are now frontline defenses in protecting children from predators.
You’ll hear how NGOs and law enforcement work together to identify victims, dismantle trafficking networks, and provide long-term care for survivors. The discussion also addresses the mental health challenges faced by those on the front lines—and why community involvement can make a real difference.

Murph sits down with anti-human trafficking investigator Chad Meli. Chad walks us through a harrowing investigation involving a father who exploited his own daughters for profit, using social media and online platforms to traffic abuse across borders. What followed was a complex, high-risk operation requiring undercover work, cutting-edge technology, and unprecedented collaboration between NGOs and law enforcement agencies worldwide. This is a heroic fight to protect the most vulnerable. January is Human Trafficking Awareness month.

In the second part of this powerful episode of Game of Crimes, Lew Rice, a retired DEA Special Agent and senior leader, discusses his life of service, sacrifice, and what it truly means to wear the badge.
Lew takes listeners inside his distinguished DEA career, which began on the gritty streets of New York City and led to overseas assignments, major leadership roles, and ultimately becoming Special Agent in Charge in New York—the pinnacle of his lifelong dream. He explains why the spirit and energy of New York law enforcement are unmatched, forged by intensity, brotherhood, and an unwavering commitment to the mission.