[Watch Video] Largest Car Theft In History: How North Korea Pulled Off the Biggest Car Heist Ever
The Volvo saga is the story of how North Korea ordered 1,000 Volvo cars from Sweden in the 1970s, but never paid for them. The cars are still in use today, despite the decades-long dispute between the two countries. The article explores the background, details, and implications of the largest car theft in history.
How North Korea Stole 1,000 Volvos from Sweden and Never Paid
North Korea is known for its nuclear ambitions, human rights violations, and isolation from the rest of the world. But did you know that it is also responsible for the largest car theft in history? In the 1970s, the rogue state ordered 1,000 Volvo cars from Sweden, but never paid for them. The cars are still in use today, despite the decades-long dispute between the two countries.
The Deal That Went Sour
In the mid-1970s, North Korea was not as impoverished and isolated as it is today. It had a functioning industrial economy, supported by Soviet aid and trade. It also had diplomatic relations with some Western countries, including Sweden, which became the first Western nation to open an embassy in Pyongyang in 1975.
At that time, Swedish businesses saw an opportunity to expand into the North Korean market, which seemed promising and profitable. They signed huge trade contracts and shipped tons of Swedish-made industrial equipment to North Korea, including heavy mining machinery and 1,000 Volvo 144 sedans¹. The cars were intended to serve as taxis in the capital city and other urban areas.
The total value of the products was about $70 million, which North Korea agreed to pay in installments over several years. However, after the first payment of $10 million, North Korea stopped paying and ignored the invoices and reminders from Sweden. The Swedish government and the export companies tried to negotiate and settle the debt, but to no avail. North Korea claimed that it had no obligation to pay, because the products were defective or damaged.
The Stolen Cars That Keep Running
Despite the unpaid debt, North Korea kept using the Volvo cars that it had received from Sweden. The cars were durable and reliable, and became a symbol of Swedish engineering excellence. They were also a rare sight in the country, where few people owned private vehicles and most cars were imported from China or Russia.
The Volvos were mostly used by government officials, foreign diplomats, and journalists. Some were also converted into taxis, which charged higher fares than the regular ones. The cars were well-maintained and repaired by local mechanics, who improvised with spare parts and materials. Some of the cars even had their original license plates and stickers, which showed their Swedish origin.
Over the years, the Volvos have become less common in North Korea, as newer and more modern cars have replaced them. However, some of them are still in operation, especially in the countryside, where they are used for transport and farming. According to some estimates, there are still about 200 Volvos left in the country.
The Unresolved Dispute That Lingers On
The dispute over the Volvo cars has not been resolved, even after almost 50 years. The Swedish government and the export companies have not given up on their claim, and have repeatedly demanded that North Korea pay its debt or return the cars. The debt has accumulated interest and penalties over the years, and is now worth more than $300 million.
However, North Korea has refused to acknowledge or settle the debt, and has continued to use the cars without any remorse. The country has also faced severe economic sanctions and international isolation, which have made it difficult to trade or communicate with the outside world. The Swedish embassy in Pyongyang, which is still operational, has tried to mediate and facilitate the dialogue between the two sides, but with little success.
The Volvo cars have become a symbol of the long-standing and complicated relationship between North Korea and Sweden, which is marked by both cooperation and conflict. The cars have also become a part of the history and culture of North Korea, which is known for its resilience and resourcefulness. The cars are a testament to the durability and quality of Swedish products, as well as the audacity and impunity of North Korean actions. They are the largest car theft in history, and one of the most fascinating stories in the world.
Conclusion:
The Volvo cars that North Korea stole from Sweden in the 1970s are more than just vehicles. They are a reminder of the complex and unresolved relationship between the two countries, which spans decades of history and politics. They are also a reflection of the contrasting realities and values of the two societies, which are worlds apart in terms of development and democracy. The Volvo saga is a fascinating and unique story that deserves to be told and remembered.