Episode 5 of Fool Me Twice centres on one of Australia’s most infamous criminals, Ivan Milat, using his case to explore how lies, fear, and behavioural deception operate in serious crime. Rather than focusing on sensationalism, the episode examines the mechanics of deception surrounding a serial offender and the long lasting consequences those lies can have on victims, families, and the justice system.

The discussion revisits Milat’s murders in the Belanglo State Forest and highlights how deception extended well beyond the crimes themselves. A key focus is an earlier shooting of taxi driver Neville Knight, where another man spent years in prison for a crime Milat was later believed to have committed. This case illustrates how fear, intimidation, and misplaced loyalty can lead to false confessions and prolonged silence, allowing the truth to remain buried for decades.

Drawing on first hand investigative experience, the episode explains how behavioural analysis and polygraph testing are used in serious criminal cases. The emphasis is not on technology alone, but on how people tell their stories. Truthful individuals tend to include themselves naturally in events and provide consistent detail, while deceptive individuals often distance themselves, avoid direct answers, and show subtle signs of concealment through language and behaviour.

The episode also challenges common myths about serial killers. Milat is presented as an example of how these offenders are typically methodical, organised, and patient rather than impulsive. The discussion explores how serial offenders target vulnerable victims, operate in remote locations, and refine their methods over time. It also touches on recurring behavioural patterns, ritualistic elements, and why many serial killers have a strong interest in forensic processes.

Importantly, the episode examines why offenders like Milat rarely confess. Even when facing life imprisonment, maintaining secrecy can provide a final sense of power and control. Milat’s refusal to cooperate meant many questions were never answered, and it remains widely believed that additional victims were never formally identified.

The episode closes with a striking contrast. A lighter but revealing story is shared about a young man who claimed an uncollected lottery win. With no ticket to prove it, his claim was assessed through investigation and a polygraph examination. He was found to be truthful and ultimately awarded more than 20 million dollars. The story reinforces a central message of Fool Me Twice: polygraph testing and behavioural analysis can expose devastating lies, but they can also validate the truth when it matters most.

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