Main content

The ‘Abscam’ Corruption Investigation

'Abscam' was an FBI sting operation that became public in 1980. It ensnared corrupt politicians using a fictitious Arab sheikh. Witness speaks to the agent in charge of the case.

A major undercover corruption investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation became public in February 1980.

Codenamed 'Abscam', the operation used a fictitious Arab sheikh who was supposedly looking to invest millions of dollars in the US.

The case shocked America when it was revealed that half a dozen Members of Congress had been recorded receiving bundles of cash from representatives of the bogus sheikh in return for political favours.

Witness speaks to John Good who was the FBI agent in charge of the investigation.

(Photo: Former FBI agent, John Good)

Available now

9 minutes

Last on

Sun 7 Feb 2016 01:20GMT
±«Óãtv World Service US Public Radio

More episodes

Previous

Spanish Embassy Killings

Next

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

See all episodes from Witness History

Broadcasts

  • Tue 2 Feb 2016 00:20GMT
    ±«Óãtv World Service US Public Radio
  • Tue 2 Feb 2016 08:50GMT
    ±«Óãtv World Service except News Internet
  • Tue 2 Feb 2016 09:50GMT
    ±«Óãtv World Service US Public Radio
  • Sun 7 Feb 2016 01:20GMT
    ±«Óãtv World Service US Public Radio

Featured in...

Podcast