Good Bad Billionaire - Eike Batista: Golden grifter

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.

Published on Monday, 2nd June 2025.

Available Podcasts from Good Bad Billionaire

Subscribe to Good Bad Billionaire

We are not the BBC, we only list available podcasts. To find out more about the programme including episodes available on BBC iPlayer, go to the Good Bad Billionaire webpage.