Matthew Cox | Inside True Crime Podcast Matthew Cox | Inside True Crime Podcast

Dark Web Kingpin’s Plea to Save His Girlfriend | Locked up Abroad

Sep 24, 2026 · 1h 53m

Summary

This episode features Matthew Cox recounting his turbulent upbringing in Atlanta, which led to a stint in the Marine Corps and subsequent volunteer teaching roles in Micronesia, Nepal, and Thailand. He shares vivid anecdotes, including a chaotic night in Kathmandu where he witnessed severe poverty and leprosy, and his decision to join the French Foreign Legion to pursue medical school. The narrative highlights his journey from a troubled youth to a disciplined soldier, emphasizing the stark cultural contrasts and personal growth experienced across these diverse environments.

Topics discussed

Ashley's arrest and death sentence Moving to a new neighborhood and school struggles Racism in school and joining the Marine Corps Boot camp experiences and military mindset Volunteering in Micronesia and local culture Teaching in Micronesia and moving to Nepal A violent incident with a friend in Nepal Life at the monastery and a silent moment Meeting Bhutanese painters and a temple night Witnessing extreme poverty in Kathmandu Joining the French Foreign Legion Legion training and moving to Thailand Life in Koh Samui and meeting Ashley Discovering the dark web and buying drugs Selling drugs and making money in Thailand Relationship with Ashley and lifestyle changes Starting a restaurant and Ashley's firing Medical school in Ukraine and Ashley's arrest Legal battles and financial losses Writing a novel and volunteering in Ukraine Combat experience in the Ukraine war Current status and call to action for Ashley
Listen ad-free on Castria