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    13 December 2017

    North Korea once stole 1000 Volvos from Sweden

    By Iain KellyIain Kelly
    • North Korea stole 1000 Volvos from Sweden back in the 1970s. (image credit: National Public Radio) North Korea stole 1000 Volvos from Sweden back in the 1970s. (image credit: National Public Radio)
    • The 1973 Volvo 144 sedans were never paid for. (image credit: National Public Radio) The 1973 Volvo 144 sedans were never paid for. (image credit: National Public Radio)
    • Including interest and penalties, the debt for the cars runs to approximately $322 million (USD). (image credit: National Public Radio) Including interest and penalties, the debt for the cars runs to approximately $322 million (USD). (image credit: National Public Radio)
    • The 1973 Volvo 144 sedans were originally meant to be taxis. (image credit: National Public Radio) The 1973 Volvo 144 sedans were originally meant to be taxis. (image credit: National Public Radio)

    ​On top of developing nuclear weapons, getting into showdowns with the USA, trying to popularise terrible haircuts, and starving half its own citizens, it seems North Korea also stole 1000 Volvos from Sweden back in the 1970s.

    Originally sent over to be used as taxis, the 1973 Volvo 144 sedans were never paid for meaning, today, the DRNK’s debt for the cars runs to approximately $322 million (USD) when you include interest and penalties.

    How did North Korea get their hands on one thousand boxy Scandinavian sedans? It was part of the growing trade the Northern European nation had entered into with the communist state in the mid-1970s. 

    Unfortunately, the North Korean economy took a turn for the worse by the late ‘70s, scuppering hopes of the Swedes to ever see a dollar for them. This is especially true given that North Korea has also racked up over $150,000 (USD) in parking tickets in New York City since the 1990s, and shows no intention of paying them, ever.

    Iain Kelly is the car nut behind The Creators Online.

    What other cars do you think North Korea have stolen? Let us know in the comments.

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