Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller

Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller is an intrepid and audacious series from National Geographic Channel that aired in 2020. The pulpy and incredibly in-depth show plunges into the dark depths of the global underworld and a side of society that is almost impossible to comprehend from a regular civilian perspective.

The show takes the viewers into this concealed world, offering insightful looks into the dangerous and distressing operations of contraband and unlawful activities. It talks about organised crime, smuggling goods, human trafficking, illegal drugs, and much more. Each story reveals the operations of these illicit activities, showing the astonishing planning, execution, scale, and the audacity with which these operations are carried out.

Veteran award-winning investigative journalist Mariana Van Zeller serves as the show's correspondent. Her fearless pursuit of the truth and her tenacity to dig deeper makes her perfectly suited to this challenging role. She is highly experienced and has spent a significant part of her career digging into the world's most complex systems and unearthing the players within them. From the most rugged terrains to the most disreputed perilous places, she probes into the treacherous business operations that are hidden from the public eye.

The gripping show, which seeks to expose the underbelly of the world market, opens unprecedented avenues for understanding how the illegal and black market works. It pushes the envelope further by showing interviews with the players within this clandestine world and provides an examination of their motivations and drive. Trafficked also exposes the intriguing realities of the beneficiaries – revealing those who profit off these unlawful activities directly and indirectly.

The many episodes in this series explore a vast array of different underground economies. Each episode focuses on a different illicit trade. From counterfeit money to guns, to hard drugs and even wildlife, the scope of the show is as broad as the real world's black market.

The series sheds light on not just the inner workings of these illicit networks, but also the impacts that these underground economies have on our society. Van Zeller uses her journalism prowess to explore the economic, political and human dimensions of these trafficking schemes. Her empathy and understanding of the stories she uncovers allow her to communicate the human stories within these networks.

Shot in several countries around the world, the series exemplifies the fact that illegal trade is a truly global problem, and it's not limited to any one country or region. However, the stories are narrated in such a way that the viewer is left with a sense of the worldwide scale of these operations without any unnecessary generalization or oversimplification of any culture, nation or people.

National Geographic Channel has always been known for innovative documentary storytelling, and Trafficked with Mariana Van Zeller definitely falls in line with this trend. From the direction to cinematography, the series offers a thrilling and authentic representation of a vast clandestine world. However, it's the narrative that truly sets this series apart. Van Zeller's comprehensive reportage, coupled with her ability to humanize the stories she covers, helps viewers understand the complex realities of these unsanctioned networks.

The series motivates viewers to question the world around them as they begin to confront the profound and often-distressing realities that underpin our society. Balanced with caution and curiosity, the show navigates this perilous underworld, challenging viewers to grapple with the uncomfortable truths that exist beneath the surface of our everyday lives.

In conclusion, Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller is more than just an investigative documentary. It offers a unique perspective on the hidden economies that thrive on black markets. It’s a courageous endeavour that exposes a world that would prefer to remain hidden. The series offers several hard truths about criminal networks, illicit economies, and the people that keep them alive. By presenting the reality of this secretive world, the show shines a light on the truths we often overlook or take for granted. As such, it’s an adventurous viewing experience that is as educational as it is entertaining and intriguing.