Australia's Greatest Conman?

Marc Fennell sets out to uncover the truth behind John Friedrich, the man who deceived a nation. He reveals a story that's stranger than fiction, delving into a web of lies and money.

In the 1980s, John Friedrich ran an elite sea and land rescue squad in Victoria, winning an Order of Australia, top-secret government contracts and hundreds of millions of dollars in loans.

But no one knew that John Friedrich was not who he made out to be. His undoing revealed one of the most audacious scams in Australian history, worth an estimated $900 million in today's money.

Show Info

Web channel: Australia SBS On Demand (2026 - 2026)
Schedule: Tuesdays (~ 48 min)
Status: Ended
Show Type: Documentary
Genres: Crime
Episodes ordered: 2 episodes

Official site: www.sbs.com.au

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Previous Episode

Episode 2

Episode 1x02; Feb 24, 2026

Marc Fennell investigates whether John Friedrich was just a con man or a secret agent in disguise. He uncovers the truth of a man who fooled a nation in the scam of a century.

Previous Episodes

Episode NameAirdateTrailer
1x02: Episode 2Feb 24, 2026
1x01: Episode 1Feb 24, 2026
View full episode list »

Cast

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