If it is all legitimate footage then it is very impressive journalism
35 Reviews
Impressive
rawiriprankerd-7643926 December 2020
How can you call this fake?
jessicalmurray1 February 2021
Mariana delves into the illegal world with us by her side. She puts her life in danger to expose this world. For all those reviews saying it's fake because no one wants their nasty business exposed needs to think again. Theres always a braggadocio who is more than willing to talk for 15 minutes of fame.plus they hide faces. Maybe watch the show before you review without just reading a review then basing yours on it.
Eye opening
awhitsauls26 May 2022
Intense episodes
phillip-ayscue-135-64324731 December 2020
Ms van Zeller has some guts. She provides insights & footage of incredibly dangerous people & situations. Incredibly informative (though steroid episode was worthless exposure for narcissistic vermin.) She is grade A journalist.
"He is putting his life at risk to meet with me..."
jonpdudwing9 December 2021
How many times does Maria tell viewers this without addressing the question: WHY does one dangerous criminal after another agree to meet with her if doing so is so dangerous? Such an obvious question left unaddressed raises questions as to the authenticity of the show?
She is AMAZING
allyg-270734 March 2023
First of all, the way she talks to people and gets information is awesome but she has a very entertaining personality, I really like her. The topics she goes over are always entertaining yet take you by surprise. She is extremely good at what she does for a living. Real documentary style she uses makes you think about the different sides of peoples lives (the good and the criminal) and why they do what they do. Truly, keeps you interested with the topics, I would recommend this show to people who like drugs inc and locked up abroad as well. I hope that in the future, I can see more of her fantastic work!! Well done 10/10!!
A real journalist
jimcurry-4267919 December 2022
Mariana Van Zeller along with her team puts together an incredible journey through topics covered in each wildly dangerous episode. She is a real journalist exuding more testicular fortitude than any other journalist I've seen. Her interviews with some very dangerous people along with the topics she asks some difficult questions in some very difficult and dangerous situations. Each episode you leave with a better understanding of both sides as she remains neutral while digging for answers where many journalists would leave well enough alone. The most recent episode I just watched about the Amazon Mafia was a real eye opener leaving me with a better understanding for the illegal miners, the corrupt political elites and the worlds largest Fortune 500 companies that benefit from destroying the Amazon.
impressive, deserves watching
tulsatom26 June 2021
It takes guts to do what this woman does. Watch for yourself. Fascinating to see a culture celebrating their success at scamming the elderly of america. It's a way of life with huge payoffs. In america, elderly people often are lonely and the scammers find them easy targets with big returns from the trusting elderly americans. This lady is putting herself in very sketchy situations to bring these stories. Looking forward to more.
Give it a watch, seriously.
Give it a watch, seriously.
Did some of these "reviewers" watch the show?
dfloro23 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
First of all, several of the reviews mention that Van Zeller "justifies" the crimes/scams/etc. That, of course, is completely false. And that claim is enough to make me wonder if these "reviewers" have even watched the series. In fact, when one Jamaican "romance scammer" cites slavery as a so-called reason she should not (& she doesn't) feel any guilt, I felt that we were left just a beat in which to laugh out loud at such nonsense! Indeed, every criticism I see on this show stems either from something somebody else has said, or that Van Zeller quoted them as saying. (A real journalist quotes others precisely, not to express his/her agreement, but to let the subjects hang themselves w/the absurdity of their own words.) Anyway, I learned a few things from some/most of the episodes (including transporting stolen US vehicles overseas to satiate growing demand in formerly poor countries with newly booming economies), and that was enough for me to give the series a positive review. And I give an extra star to it for the very real bravery displayed by Ms. Van Zeller and her A/V team in a variety of genuinely dangerous situations. That is, unless you believe it's all just staged like most "reality television." Believe what you want to, I guess.
entertaining and fun
everythinsoverratedexeptsoccer3 March 2022
I agree with some other reviewers that the voice over gets a bit dramatic, there are certain storyline that could have gone deeper or a more interesting route, and definitely kept asking myself "why do these people agree to talk to her though?" Buuuuutt...I still found it extremely entertaining. I'd say I watch more documentaries than the average person and yes, there was some information that has been delivered before, however, the style helps engage the target audience that maybe hasn't explored documentaries. I got my husband and several friends to watch as well.
Reparation Justification for Scamming America's Elderly Falls Flat
rland05 December 2020
The episode detailing the scamming "business" in Jamaica and Israel was informative and very well done up until Ms. Van Zeller decided to inject some misguided social justice propaganda into the episode. After completing her investigation into the Israeli investment scammers, she abruptly switched back to the Jamaican scammers and led them to justify their illegal behavior by citing reparations for their years of slavery. What she failed to mention is that the slavery in Jamaica was controlled by the British colonists not Americans.
Faker than a $3 bill!
Vercingetorix0923 January 2023
I only made through 15 minutes of the fentanyl episode before I shut it off. There is no way that Sinaloa cartel members would allow some nosy American "reporter" to film them doing anything much less showing where/how they get their chemicals. I like a good documentary as much as the next guy but don't lie to me and try to pass off some hammed up garbage as real. I mean she's supposed to driving around snooping in a dangerous country with cameras all over her car to capture footage of her wheels turning, drones flying in the air to show her driving down roads to meet confidential contacts, and a full crew of sound and video operators in tow capturing every second of it. If it's dramatized the tell us it's dramatized.
A decent series, but I would prefer more in-depth information with a lot less danger drama.
gvpkpd6 May 2023
While I do enjoy some of the episodes and find the show interesting enough to watch once a week, it's still a bit much of the annoying stuff that leave me feeling a little bit disappointed.
There is far too much focus on: 1 Drama. It feels very much like the drama is forced, and that gives a feeling that even the producers don't have enough faith in the storylines to hold us interested.
2 Mariana Van Zeller. While she is a good journalist and I do like her, it feels like we're getting a bit much of her. I want more real content instead of her reactions to situations.
We get her reactions before, after, and midways. A 5 minute part can consist of 3 minutes with Mariana's reactions.
3 the topics aren't anything newsworthy. Most of it has been talked about and filmed many times. It's just rebranding basically.
I would like to see some episodes with more obscure characters and concepts. There's no need to focus only on "huge" things. An episode in the life of a drug dealer out of nowhere in Sweden, or the Netherlands for example. An episode of such that doesn't try to be so highly dramatic, but rather focuses on real people in normal places - doing things most people don't know much about. I'd like to see her digging deeper into things that aren't necessarily as extreme and always about the baddest of the and worst of the worst.
If you enjoy watching stuff about the underworld, then you might enjoy this series. Mariana is good at what she does, and it's cool to see her work, but the show doesn't really show us too much stuff we didn't already know(if you're a crime-oholic at least). :)
I would give it 6 of 10 score.
There is far too much focus on: 1 Drama. It feels very much like the drama is forced, and that gives a feeling that even the producers don't have enough faith in the storylines to hold us interested.
2 Mariana Van Zeller. While she is a good journalist and I do like her, it feels like we're getting a bit much of her. I want more real content instead of her reactions to situations.
We get her reactions before, after, and midways. A 5 minute part can consist of 3 minutes with Mariana's reactions.
3 the topics aren't anything newsworthy. Most of it has been talked about and filmed many times. It's just rebranding basically.
I would like to see some episodes with more obscure characters and concepts. There's no need to focus only on "huge" things. An episode in the life of a drug dealer out of nowhere in Sweden, or the Netherlands for example. An episode of such that doesn't try to be so highly dramatic, but rather focuses on real people in normal places - doing things most people don't know much about. I'd like to see her digging deeper into things that aren't necessarily as extreme and always about the baddest of the and worst of the worst.
If you enjoy watching stuff about the underworld, then you might enjoy this series. Mariana is good at what she does, and it's cool to see her work, but the show doesn't really show us too much stuff we didn't already know(if you're a crime-oholic at least). :)
I would give it 6 of 10 score.
Fake. Totally fake.
deekrezz11 April 2022
This is a load of bull**it.
All the scenes and conversations are so contrived, and it's all shot with obvious camera tricks to try and make it seem 'dangerous' and stealth.
The script over exaggerates the host's bravery, but when you actually break this all down, anyone can make this, and create the fake scenes and characters.
If you believe this, then you are exactly who this show is targeting. And you're likely an idiot.
Fake garbage.
All the scenes and conversations are so contrived, and it's all shot with obvious camera tricks to try and make it seem 'dangerous' and stealth.
The script over exaggerates the host's bravery, but when you actually break this all down, anyone can make this, and create the fake scenes and characters.
If you believe this, then you are exactly who this show is targeting. And you're likely an idiot.
Fake garbage.
Fake of course
grimreaperalphax6 April 2023
It's should be called reality show not a documentary,because everything is made with actors and scripts.
There is no way that some National Geo reporter have connections or ability to get in contact with mexican drug lords,and they would never discuss stuff about operation or they want to be filmed even with masks. Complete crew together with Mariana would be shot or slaughtered like pigs if they ever come close to this,this are narcos not some american circus where you can film whatever you want.
I cant think any reason why would narcos allow filming,money?,they have it in tons,exposure?,something that dont need,fame?,they are more famouse then american celebrities so...complete series is just made up,period.
There is no way that some National Geo reporter have connections or ability to get in contact with mexican drug lords,and they would never discuss stuff about operation or they want to be filmed even with masks. Complete crew together with Mariana would be shot or slaughtered like pigs if they ever come close to this,this are narcos not some american circus where you can film whatever you want.
I cant think any reason why would narcos allow filming,money?,they have it in tons,exposure?,something that dont need,fame?,they are more famouse then american celebrities so...complete series is just made up,period.
The Mariana Van Zeller Promotion Hour
tigerman10224 February 2021
Very lightweight stuff and seems to be more about the self promotion of Mariana and her "bravery". Every episode runs along similar format. Lots of close ups, hidden faces, absurd camera angles to build up lots atmosphere. She gets inside access to cartel/counterfieter/scammer/gun runner/sicaro etc but it usually falls down or they dont show then just as she is about to give up, she finds another insider. Fears for her safety, lots of very worried expressions, a threat or two, quickly leave area, then comeback to get right inside organisation. Her contact then tells her his star sign, fave colour, his 750 kills, 10 billion dollar profit etc etc every little secret . Just seems so fake and scripted to a particular audience. Yeah, nah. About the only truth is that if you want to sell drugs/scams/exotic animals/counterfeit money/steroids then you will always have the good old American to fleece.
Nothing really new here, lots of drama, mostly fake. Zero Journalism.
Xavier_Stone5 December 2020
1st episode details the phone scamming in Jamaica and Israel and calling up people to tell them they've won a lottery and need the deposit to release the funds. One guy who is interviewed claims to have made 300k in a day and 170MM but uses a $15k boat wearing a timex watch to give his interview. Hmmmm.
This scam has been around for over 20 years and first came out when email was first invented. Vulnerable old people are most at risk and this has been widely known for years but continues to happen.
The 2nd episode has our interviewer trying to follow a drug shipment, which of course is nearly impossible. Lots of shaky camera syndrome to build tension and she's overly naive. Yeah, the drug dealers are going to let you open and test their drugs, lol. And I'm pretty sure the drug cartel is not going to let you piggyback their 400k drug packed courier through the border.
I watched Season 4, Eps 8 Illegal Gambling with Mikki Mase, and he tells her a few stories about the money he's won and working on Wall Street. Perhaps if you call yourself a journalist Mariana you could do a little bit of verifying facts for us. I was hoping for just one, but nope. Even the cameras were banned from inside a house with gambling so we get no footage.
Absolutely junk. How can you make an episode with zero footage of actual events taking place ???? WTF?!?!?! Horrendous.
This scam has been around for over 20 years and first came out when email was first invented. Vulnerable old people are most at risk and this has been widely known for years but continues to happen.
The 2nd episode has our interviewer trying to follow a drug shipment, which of course is nearly impossible. Lots of shaky camera syndrome to build tension and she's overly naive. Yeah, the drug dealers are going to let you open and test their drugs, lol. And I'm pretty sure the drug cartel is not going to let you piggyback their 400k drug packed courier through the border.
I watched Season 4, Eps 8 Illegal Gambling with Mikki Mase, and he tells her a few stories about the money he's won and working on Wall Street. Perhaps if you call yourself a journalist Mariana you could do a little bit of verifying facts for us. I was hoping for just one, but nope. Even the cameras were banned from inside a house with gambling so we get no footage.
Absolutely junk. How can you make an episode with zero footage of actual events taking place ???? WTF?!?!?! Horrendous.
Trafficked, liberal lies
mikegull-528249 March 2021
Regarding the recent TV programme Trafficked : Guns, follows the trail of guns from the US to Mexico, a mention of the AR 15 being most used in mass killings in America, this is an outright LIE, a check on mass shootings will reveal, Handguns as the No 1 choice of weapon, followed by a semi automatic hunting rifle, the AR 15 is far down the list of preferred weapons, unless you follow the Liberal gun control agenda and I expected National Geographic to at least CHECK it's facts before they are used in the show, DISGRACEFUL.
Regards
Michael Tighe
An outraged ex Geographic viewer
Regards
Michael Tighe
An outraged ex Geographic viewer
Fake?
izzseger9 March 2022
How in the heck is she able to dive right into these industries and publish these stories!? There is no way the Cartel would allow such documentation and information to be revealed!
Why would anyone reveal their ways of illegal dealings for the public/police to see? Such rubbish.
Why would anyone reveal their ways of illegal dealings for the public/police to see? Such rubbish.
Fake
Truth_In_Review18 December 2021
Another fake show by NATGEO. Just like Drugs, Inc., everyone is aching to discuss multi-million dollar illicit operations to a reporter. Riiiiight. Unless you have lived it, I inderstand how pne could belive this crap.
just another non-reality show for the gullible
howboutthisone_huh24 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
So as far as I can tell, this is just a copy on a copy of another set of so-called underworld investigations. The way this is shot and edited and the way the stories are told, my guess is that it's the same producers or these guys and mariana watch a lot of these shows because there's not much going on here. Just the same tomato sauce, different can. Most of these stories, I don't know the life so yeah, I'm intrigued. It's amazing to watch somebody printing money out in the open in a mall where anyone could walk by and see what they're doing. That, people doing this sort of work always seem to be available to brag about what they're doing. I don't know the life until the episode on prostitution and I can say with 100% certainty that what's in this episode is all b**. Just the same cliche's the media repeats and repeats and the public eats up. I won't say that these people aren't pimps and prostitutes but I can say what they're showing in this episode is all carp and made up. I'm not in the game and I'm not a customer, or pimp but for over 20 years I've had to deal with prostitution in my area, and it's not what they portray here and in the media in general. Once my neighborhood was everything everyone says is where they want to live. People didn't lock their doors, kids played in the street. No drug dealers, panhandlers, prostitutes, but things started to change back in the 80s and things have been changing for the worse ever since. The city and the county have a lot to account for in terms of the changes in my area but now they won't do anything about the street prostitution because they've relabeled the crime as human trafficking. It's not a crime anymore but a charity. I've even seen collection buckets in stores and restaurants to combat human trafficking. Um, well, in my area these women are not forced to walk the streets. It's much more lucrative and less riskier to operate off the web but these are women who can't work any other way except old school. Whether they have pimps or not, I don't know but none of them are young girls, and none of them are victims. Their customers are the ones taking most of the risks because where you find prostitution like this you'll find other types of crime like theft and assault. If you want to know what it's really like in the game, there's a tv series on the web where girls are picked up off the street and paid for interviews. You'll have to find it on your own but it's nothing like this garbage.
Fake and woke
spears-8496317 January 2022
She doesn't have the stones to do an investigation into Antifa or Black Lives Matter. Or how about investigating the Federal officers who were really the instigators to Jan. 6. Better yet, how about an investigation into Hunter Biden?
not telling all they know about the drug scene
caseyrebel12 December 2020
I have been there personally and she isn't getting the whole story from the people interviewed. Alot is being kept from her or else she isn't telling all that is being told to her one,either way it don't add up to what needs to said by the people she sees.
I think if I was talking that I would tell what all has happened during the time that has been spent doing the deals and how it has effected the lives of those around me. I know what I have witnessed from accidental death to suicide to overdose and even to myself using! They really don't tell any of that or how it was lead to using to dealing or what ever to keep going as some have..
I started when she was born,now it sounds stupid but it is true and I don't deny the fact I have done any of this cause I have spent time behind walls and wire!
You start as a user then as a dealer and you start to control your using before you get to dealing very big at all! None never mention this and it's all a part of the whole thing! She never mentions this or why some are doing this at all or why! I would love to talk with Mariana about some what I went thru and ll that has happened doing this!
I don't think I would hold anything back that I know or what I have done that needs to known. I guess when you see people die that you don't talk about it but it's there. You don't mention slavery when you have a preacher next door that you should mention when talking about religion but still she got off on slavery and this a totally different situation. You only mention what is the story at hand and don't sugar coat it!
She wants to know mine I would glad.y give her a talk where I couldn't to CNBC and Kennedy when she wanted to talk to me over the phone when I was incarcerated at that time. Now,,I can freely talk about it all without fear of saying something that would be killed by an employee of the prison! Yes! I was contacted by them and they wanted to do an interview with me but! I was warned before hand not to say some things..sooo,, I kept my mouth closed on alot that I could of talked about.
Mariana is eager to know but she don't get the full facts of why this is going as it is,sure there is a demand but there is more than just the money also! Why aren't they opening up about the whole story??
Scamming I don't want to go there since I have had that to happen to me! I could never do a scam on anyone!! Sell them a HIGH yes! SCA'M,,hell NO!
I think if I was talking that I would tell what all has happened during the time that has been spent doing the deals and how it has effected the lives of those around me. I know what I have witnessed from accidental death to suicide to overdose and even to myself using! They really don't tell any of that or how it was lead to using to dealing or what ever to keep going as some have..
I started when she was born,now it sounds stupid but it is true and I don't deny the fact I have done any of this cause I have spent time behind walls and wire!
You start as a user then as a dealer and you start to control your using before you get to dealing very big at all! None never mention this and it's all a part of the whole thing! She never mentions this or why some are doing this at all or why! I would love to talk with Mariana about some what I went thru and ll that has happened doing this!
I don't think I would hold anything back that I know or what I have done that needs to known. I guess when you see people die that you don't talk about it but it's there. You don't mention slavery when you have a preacher next door that you should mention when talking about religion but still she got off on slavery and this a totally different situation. You only mention what is the story at hand and don't sugar coat it!
She wants to know mine I would glad.y give her a talk where I couldn't to CNBC and Kennedy when she wanted to talk to me over the phone when I was incarcerated at that time. Now,,I can freely talk about it all without fear of saying something that would be killed by an employee of the prison! Yes! I was contacted by them and they wanted to do an interview with me but! I was warned before hand not to say some things..sooo,, I kept my mouth closed on alot that I could of talked about.
Mariana is eager to know but she don't get the full facts of why this is going as it is,sure there is a demand but there is more than just the money also! Why aren't they opening up about the whole story??
Scamming I don't want to go there since I have had that to happen to me! I could never do a scam on anyone!! Sell them a HIGH yes! SCA'M,,hell NO!
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