Catching The Codfather

The podcast explores the rise and fall of Carlos Rafael, known as "The Codfather," who built the largest fishing fleet in New Bedford, Massachusetts, before an IRS sting brought him down. It examines how Rafael, an immigrant from the Azores, exploited loopholes in the Magnuson Act, designed to protect American fishing waters, to amass wealth by illegally overfishing. The narrative delves into Rafael's character, revealing a complex figure seen both as a crook and a folk hero by members of the community. The podcast further investigates the broader implications of government regulation in the fishing industry, questioning whether the system itself contributed to Rafael's actions.