The 2024 Netflix documentary American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders has been nominated for three Emmy Awards. The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) nominated the four-part series in the following categories:
- Outstanding Lighting Direction
- Outstanding Investigative Documentary
- Outstanding Documentary
The Emmy Awards for News and Documentaries are scheduled to be held on June 25 and June 26 at Palladium Times Square in New York City.
Funded and streamed by Netflix, the producers of American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders are Duplass Brothers Productions, Stardust Frames Productions and Christian Hansen. The director is Zachary Treitz.
Opinions vary on whether American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders should receive an Emmy.
The documentary rose in popularity around the world as viewers spread the word that the story of the late investigative journalist Danny Casolaro and what he investigated was stranger than fiction with a memorable cast of characters, the theft of brilliant computer technology and scandalous political intrigue.
Binge-worthy indeed as where would four hours in front of the television get anyone up to speed on the Who, What, Where, When, Why and How Danny Casolaro wound up dead in a bloody bathtub in Martinsburg, West Virginia, on August 10, 1991. For those who worked in journalism in the 1980s and 1990s, the story is still shocking and an eerie reminder that the harder one works to find the truth, the more dangerous it can be.
As Casolaro’s body of work is immense, answering the above basic reporting questions would take much more than four hours.
The title of the documentary teases but does not deliver all the answers. Instead, Hansen and Treitz gave viewers the history of how Hansen realized his dream of being a famous investigative journalist with the help of Cheri Seymour, author of the book The Last Circle.
Michael Riconosciuto, who is known as “danger man” in the documentary, told me that his legal investigator of record for pre-trial preparation, celebrated former FBI Special Agent Supervisor Ted Gunderson, was ordered by the judge to not be allowed to have face-to-face visits with him while he was in pre-trial detention.
This was, according to Riconosciuto, the interference of Cheri Seymour as she suddenly volunteered to remedy the problems that Gunderson had in gaining access to his client during the critical pre-trial detention phase of his case.
Seymour came into Riconosciuto’s case as a pre-trial investigator and, as such, she was granted access to confidential material and documents related to his trial defense presentation. Once in possession of those documents, Riconosciuto says she refused to return them to his defense team or his family.
Were Hansen and Treitz influenced dramatically by Cheri Seymour in their presentation of Michael Riconosciuto and Bill Hamilton of INSLAW throughout the documentary?
What was the intention of the documentary?
Was it Treitz’s homage to Hansen?
Was it a sophomoric attempt to skew the facts surrounding Casolaro’s horrific death?
Let’s look at Hansen’s presence on the screen, fashioned by Treitz to make Hansen appear as Casolaro’s doppelganger.
Hansen says throughout the documentary that he became obsessed with Casolaro. He tells viewers about his journey and reactions to Casolaro’s contacts and sources. Viewers receive no happy ending to the tease of “Octopus Murders.” The title implies that an octopus is involved in more than one homicide.
Who is the octopus? Hansen does not know, but Casolaro knew.
The octopus, according to Casolaro’s investigations, was the common denominator in several murders and political scandals that fell like dominos in the 1980s and 1990s. When finding strong evidence of the presence of the octopus, Casolaro focused on connecting specific people to dirty drug and weapons money, murders, intelligence agencies, Iran Contra, BCCI, Nugan Hand Bank in Australia, IraqGate, the theft of gold bullion by the CIA, INSLAW/PROMIS, October Surprise…all leading directly to the White House.
Casolaro did this by following the money trail. He was convinced that the financial records of several governmental scandals were all linked. It was as if Casolaro had broken the code of the wizard of government bookkeeping. He found the dollars gained, the dollars spent, who spent the dollars, and for what. Hansen failed to report any of this in the four episodes of American Conspiracy.
So, who is this octopus who murders people? Danny Casolaro took the answer with him.
Why was the octopus ready to strike anyone and any group getting close to the INSLAW case and how the PROMIS software was utilized?
Hansen fails to answer this.
Hansen leaves out the Why and the How the PROMIS software was the connecting link to other cases of Casolaro’s mosaic.
Michael Riconosciuto, the modifier of the PROMIS software, told me how he was sought after by people who recognized his brilliance and capabilities in computer technology and how he was used by people who abused the color of their authority from their government day jobs for the interest of political cronyism. This was, according to Riconosciuto, an effort to support the agenda of a small group of high-level insiders. He says the pattern of abuse hides in plain sight.
Riconosciuto said that INSLAW’s bankruptcy judge, George Bason, was correct when he ruled that INSLAW’s proprietary intellectual property was stolen by the U.S. Department of Justice “through trickery, fraud and deceit.” Riconosciuto should know as he fessed up to Bill Hamilton of INSLAW that he was the one who modified the PROMIS software.
Riconosciuto went on record that he was threatened by high-level government officials to keep quiet about his alteration of the PROMIS software. Hansen and Treitz failed to tell viewers who it was that threatened Riconosciuto and why.
Curious that Hansen had Riconosciuto’s affidavit given to Hamilton but never told viewers, how after more than 20 years in prison, Riconosciuto’s sentence was summarily terminated by his original trial and sentencing judge in a hearing that lasted less than five minutes due to information provided by Australian researcher Peter Osborne, who verified everything Riconosciuto stated about his innocence.
When asked if American Conspiracy deserves an Emmy, Riconosciuto emphatically told me no. He said he is outraged that the story that Hansen and Treitz presented about his release from prison and probation hearing was completely false. He swears he has the documents to prove it.
Further, Riconosciuto said that the insinuations and comments made by Hansen about Hercules and his father Marshall Riconosciuto were egregious and a direct attack on the integrity of all that Hercules accomplished in technology that continues to benefit the United States. Riconosciuto said that he was horrified when Hansen told viewers that Marshall Riconosciuto colluded with criminal Philip Arthur Thompson to keep tabs on him.
Nowhere in the documentary does Hansen speculate on who the head of the octopus is or was, and who the tentacles are, or were that carry out his orders.
Hansen and Treitz were in their 30s when working on the documentary. Had he lived, Casolaro would be 78. Their knowledge of the Casolaro saga was gained through the work of other journalists, studying Casolaro’s notes and speaking with Casolaro’s family and friends.
Australian physicist and political researcher Peter Osborne, 65, and Canadian investigative journalist and television producer Gordon Sivell, 73, are adamant that American Conspiracy is full of lies, omissions and the theft of their intellectual property. Their view of American Conspiracy is that it leads viewers every which way but to a clear chronological path that exposes who the head of the octopus is, what he did, how Casolaro figured it out, and the price he paid for his dedication to the truth.
In an exclusive interview for CovertAction Magazine, Osborne and Sivell share with readers why American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders should not receive recognition with an Emmy Award as they plagiarized, manipulated voice and video recordings, and omitted crucial documented facts and tangible evidence.
Peter Osborne:
Gordon and I can’t even fathom an Emmy!
Hansen violated copyright laws and misrepresented himself. He was fully aware that Gordon and I were collaborating on a book that chronicles the life of Casolaro and what got him slaughtered in Martinsburg, West Virginia, in 1991.
The plagiarism is blatant. We have all the emails from Hansen and Treitz throughout 2014-2024. Both Hansen and Treitz misrepresented their intentions when asking for help in researching the Casolaro story and all its complexities. Both were aware that any information and/or documentation that we shared with them would be respected and, if used, given the proper attribution.
Never once did Hansen and Treitz tell us that they landed a Netflix documentary series. The timeline speaks volumes! I launched my copyrighted website https://thesixtheye.org in 2022, two years before American Conspiracy was released. My website is dedicated to the memory of Danny Casolaro and endorsed by Danny’s son Trey.
It’s obvious that Hansen freely used my website filled with documents, diagrams, news clippings and quotes from thousands of hours of recorded conversations. He did this and then passed on my work and Gordon’s as his own. My podcasts 48-54 on my website have the full story, documented and diagramed. It’s there for anyone wanting to know the truth about the death of Danny Casolaro and the many motivations for his murder.
The boldness of Hansen angered the producers and writers of the Australian TV investigative program, A Current Affair, as Hansen used their film footage from 1992 without permission or attribution. Within a year after Casolaro’s death, A Current Affair investigated the evidence that the CIA had covertly sold the modified PROMIS software to the Australian Security Intelligence Organization to spy on the Australian government and on the Australian citizens.
I’ve been collaborating for many years with the Australian investigative journalists who originally broke the PROMIS software story, filmed INSLAW’s computer and PROMIS software screens and interviewed Bill Hamilton, Michael Riconosciuto, former U.S. Attorney General Elliot Richardson and Israeli Ari Ben-Menashe.
The Australian program A Current Affair and my copyrighted podcasts were plagiarized.
Gordon Sivell:
Marketed as an investigative docu-drama, it was in reality, journalistic malpractice with unqualified investigators, whose collective resumes disturbingly reveal zero background in investigative news reporting or publishing in any major market news platform. It most definitely failed to showcase Casolaro’s initiatives to expose corruption within the U.S. Department of Justice, the Central Intelligence Agency and illegal activities during the presidencies of Reagan and Bush Senior. It glossed over events, utilizing achieved footage from news networks. There was little original content that added any value.
There were no representative historians, scholars, U.S. congressmen or senators interviewed regarding the political events that Casolaro was investigating.
Hansen and Treitz and former MSNBC Producer Ann Klenk push their own agenda by suggesting Casolaro never had a story worth publishing and that Casolaro was spoon-fed rubbish from his key sources, Bill Hamilton of INSLAW, and computer genius Michael Riconosciuto who altered the PROMIS software.
Hansen and Treitz were fully aware that Peter Osborne and I were working together. With a combined 50 years of deep digging into the Casolaro case, we maintain that several people suffered malicious slander and defamation. Bill Hamilton and Michael Riconosciuto steadfastly refused to be interviewed for the documentary. Both had experience with Hansen and Treitz in the past and doubted their ability.
Riconosciuto told me that Hansen and Treitz demonstrated a gross lack of comprehension about the intricacies of the PROMIS software, having no grasp of how it was modified with a special receiver. Hamilton told me that he had no faith in the Netflix project due to Hansen and Treitz’s lack of experience and lack of understanding of the full magnitude of the software development and the legal issues.
While watching American Conspiracy, I felt that Hamilton, a top secret analyst with the National Security Agency, was made to look like a fool with no substantial facts. The producers threw both Hamilton and Riconosciuto under the bus, while making assumptions about their character.
Hansen and Treitz went on a marketing blitz for American Conspiracy and appeared on the Danny Jones Podcast where they smeared Osborne’s reputation with false statements and comments that ridiculed his research.
Peter Osborne:
Shortly after American Conspiracy came out in February 2024, I had conversations with several individuals whose voice and image were on the documentary. None had given recent permission. Hansen used recordings and film taken years ago and manipulated each to serve his interpretation of their comments. I shared these concerns about the credibility and integrity of the documentary in my letter to the Chairman and Board of Directors of Netflix dated February 2024.
What is truly negligent is what Hansen chose to omit from the documentary. By not presenting all the confirmed facts, the viewers are not getting the true story.
Although Casolaro’s death was ruled a suicide, the evidence is clear that he was murdered by former CIA operative Joseph Cuellar, the assassin ordered to kill Casolaro by the octopus.
I have recorded interviews with several of Casolaro’s friends, sources, family members and girlfriends who state categorically that it was murder and not suicide. Why didn’t Hansen present this information when I had offered it to him?
I recorded an in-depth interview with Lynn Knowles who was a witness to intelligence operative Joseph Cuellar making threats to her well-being. This was after Danny Casolaro’s death. Knowles was interviewed by Hansen and Treitz for American Conspiracy. They didn’t use it. Why?
My Podcasts 48-54 on my website tell and illustrate the ongoing coverup of the truth by the producers of American Conspiracy.
Throughout 2018-2024, Hansen and Treitz requested access to my 24 years of research investigations, recorded interviews with witnesses, documented evidence and my podcasts. They promised to both Gordon and me that they were totally committed to producing a credible TV documentary series to publicly expose the truth about the PROMIS software affair and the death of Danny Casolaro.
Hansen and Treitz deceived and lied to Gordon, Trey Casolaro and me. In May of 2024, Gordon and I demanded that Hansen and Treitz immediately return all copies of our research that was solicited for American Conspiracy. Nothing yet.
On May 6, 2025, I wrote to the Chairman and Directors of Netflix expressing my concerns about their continuing to stream American Conspiracy given what I posted on my website, podcasts 48-54. Nothing yet.
Gordon Sivell:
Peter and I have watched American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders and studied all four segments in the series. What was left out speaks volumes as to the agenda of Hansen and Treitz.
Among the worst omissions by Hansen and Treitz:
They failed to disclose the identity of the infamous Glenn F. Shockley, a close associate of Robert Booth Nichols.
They failed to discuss the IRS documents from the Martinsburg Computer Center proving that Casolaro secured tax information on Robert Booth Nichols, Harold Okimoto of the Japanese Yakusa and mob figure Mario Renda.
They failed to discuss Casolaro’s research and potential meeting with Robert Altman and Clark Clifford.
They failed to discuss Casolaro’s dealings with former special forces soldier Lance Trimmer on CIA and drugs.
They failed to discuss the background on money laundering and Robert Booth Nichols’ ties to Australia’s Nugan Hand Bank.
They failed to discuss Rupert Murdoch’s Computer Power Group in Sydney and its ties to INSLAW.
They failed to discuss former MSNBC News Producer Ann Klenk’s theft of Casolaro’s documents shortly after his death.
They failed to discuss Armenian arms dealer Sarkis Soghanalian (dubbed the Merchant of Death), who met with Casolaro in a Martinsburg hotel.
They failed to discuss Cheri Seymour’s refusal to return Michael Riconosciuto’s documents to Peter Osborne.
They failed to give me credit for the last known photo of Casolaro with his briefcase.
They failed to use the comments of Lynn Knowles-Hirst about the role of Joseph Cuellar, the former West Pointer and intelligence fixer who is a likely suspect in Casolaro’s murder. Lynn told me, “Netflix interviewed me for about three hours but never used a frame.” She then added that, when she tried to speak about Cuellar’s involvement with Casolaro, Treitz told her, “Not interested—doesn’t fit our narrative.” I spoke extensively to Lynn in 2014 regarding her friendship with Casolaro and her observations of Casolaro’s initial meeting with Cuellar. The Netflix producers are guilty of putting words in her mouth by using a female voice over artist and ignoring what she witnessed.
Casolaro was probing a network of corrupt retired CIA operatives including Dwayne Clarridge and Ted Shackley, which he concluded had obtained INSLAW’s PROMIS software to carry out a wide array of criminal activities tied to the Iran Contra “Enterprise” and other political scandals, supported by the Reagan and Bush Senior administrations.
Once the U.S. Department of Justice secured Hamilton’s PROMIS software source code, they made copies for the CIA to be used in intelligence gatherings and then sold the altered PROMIS software to South Korea, Israel, Canada and Australia.
While Netflix and the producers were well aware of Australia’s use of PROMIS, they avoided covering this topic. They screened Osborne’s podcasts well before American Conspiracy was released. They had the information and chose not to use it. Why?
The condition of Casolaro’s body most certainly spelled murder. Far too many educated opinions on suicide or murder were left out. Hansen and Treitz never quoted Casolaro’s son Trey, who is unequivocal in his belief that his father was murdered.
I could go on and on. So could Osborne. We’ve worked on the Casolaro story for decades. We have a book coming out later this year. I encourage truth seekers to read it, watch Osborne’s podcasts and then talk to us.
In no way is American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders deserving of an Emmy Award or even a nomination.
- See previous CovertAction Magazine articles on The Octopus Murders here and here.
- See Peter Osborne’s podcast exposing the deceit of The Octopus Murders Netflix film series here.
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About the Author
Margie Sloan is a life-long seeker of truth writing on business, political wrongdoing and animal advocacy.
Her interviews with individuals telling truth and lies has taken her from her roots in Michigan to Florida, California, China, Canada, Morocco and Colorado. Margie worked on the Savings & Loan debacle with a focus on Silverado Savings for TIME Magazine, Pete Brewton for his book, The Mafia, CIA & George Bush and with SPY Magazine on INSLAW and Wackenhut.
As a guest on talk radio in the 1990’s, Margie explained money laundering and her suspicion as to where trillions of U.S. dollars might be found. With the same curiosity and determination, Margie is finding answers to questions raised decades ago. Where did all that money go? How did it leave the S&Ls? Who spent it and what did they spend it on? And lastly, why?
When not researching, Margie advocates for animals, plays piano and dog sits for her grand-dogs Wesley, Max and Belle.
Margie can be reached at argiema@yahoo.com.
I contributed to this article. I investigated this case for 25 years and assisted Treitz and Hansen in their research starting in 2014. Their series is an absolute journalist disaster. It is full of assumptions and lacks significant details regarding Casolaro’s research in a wide number of areas. It was like watching a love affair between Treitz and his Kentucky pal Hansen. Dreadful “investigative” series.
I contrinuted to the article and I investigated this story for 25 tears and help the producers with their research starting in the year 2013. It is an absolute journalistic disaster, full of assupmtions, absurbly lacking in serious investigative reserarch and a rehash of other people journalitic initiative. It was like watching a love affair between Christian Hansen and his director pal Zack Treitz.
I saw the series referenced in this article. The visual production was engaging but the willingness to disparage the victims in a true life horror story left me feeling sad and disappointed. The shortcomings pointed out in this article are important to consider when trying to understand why the victims were treated so callously. Good article!
This should be nominated as a Mockumentary. A classic tale of good vs evil has been poorly sewn together to fit these two authors beliefs. A complete disregard for the true heros of this story, the Hamiltons. In fact, in the final chapter, rumor and innuendo are cast upon them, as the audience is lead away from the true story. Shame shame. The result is a minnow, when it could have been a whale of a tale. I say take it out of the film can and deposit directly in a trash can. No Emmy, no recognition, no truth. Mock U!!!!!
My compliments to Margie Sloan on a well written and researched article. Can anyone provide a link to protest this Netfix flimflam?
RIP Elliot Richardson and Danny Casolaro. Our country is forever in your debt. As for Mr. & Mrs. Hamilton, not only are we forever in your debt, you deserve full restitution, damages and a sincere apology. Oldepro
No documentary should be built around preconceived notions. This was written from the conclusion backwards. I would call it as farce, full of untruths, stolen information, fabricated information and inadequate research.
I don’t know if it deserves an Emmy so I google. Here is what Google thinks:
Whether “American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders” deserves an Emmy is subjective and depends on individual viewing preferences, but it has received generally positive critical reception and has been praised for its production quality and compelling storytelling.
Here’s why some might consider it Emmy-worthy:
Compelling True Crime Story:
The docuseries delves into a complex and fascinating true crime case with a wide-ranging political conspiracy element.
High Production Value:
The series is described as “handsomely produced,” indicating a good level of technical quality.
Engaging Narrative:
The docuseries successfully keeps viewers hooked and “doesn’t let go,” according to Rotten Tomatoes.
Thorough Investigation:
The documentary presents a deep dive into the investigation, highlighting the efforts of reporters like Danny Casolaro.
However, here’s why some might disagree:
Subjectivity of Quality:
The concept of “deserving” an Emmy is subjective. Different people have different criteria for what constitutes a quality documentary.
Focus on Conspiracy:
Some viewers might find the focus on a far-out conspiracy theory to be less compelling or credible.
In conclusion: “American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders” has received generally positive reviews and is praised for its production quality and ability to engage viewers. Whether it deserves an Emmy is ultimately a matter of personal opinion, as the criteria for evaluating a documentary for such awards can vary.