The Observer

I first approached Vitamir in Petar back in August, before their video went viral.

Vitamir's initial response is quick and positive. He's happy to speak. But he asks if I'm

linked to the person who led a witch hunt against them. I assume he's talking about William

Trubridge. Because apparently, William has been contacting people in Vitamir's circle, and so have I.

He says, other reporting, other podcasts have been based on private interests, misinformation.

And he says, if this is another brilliant idea to try and do damage to me or my team,

we will not take part in it. And it will backfire to your credibility, just like the whole

previous campaigns did. I explained to Vitamir that his voice is an important part of the story, that it will be an

opportunity for him to address the rumours and allegations, and I mean it.

So he says he'll give me the benefit of the doubt.

I also email the other two Croatians who were implicated at Vertical Blue. Petar, who doesn't reply,

and Sander, who says she's very happy to speak to anybody if it's not a dirty game behind the

scenes. Meantime, I put out a post on Instagram asking people in the community to talk to me,

and Petta replies saying, I'm not part of this community I'm

Nadea guard and from Tortoise Investigates and the observer this is deep water episode six

in good faith hi nice to finally meet you thank Thank you for your time. I know that you've had a very, very busy season, lots of travel, lots of commitments.

Yeah, normally it's not that busy, but it seems to get busier every year.

Well, Vitamir has just woken up. When we finally get to speak, and he turns his camera on,

he's lying on his bed in a hotel in Tulum, Mexico. He's there running a workshop. I'm in the studio

in London. This call has been a long time coming, and I'm relieved. I want to have the opportunity

to put the allegations directly to Vitamir. Other people wanted to be an astronaut and I was like,

...