

528: Ulrich "The Mole" Larsen | Undercover in North Korea Part Two
Jul 1, 2021
Ulrich 'The Mole' Larsen, a Danish chef turned undercover operative, shares his incredible journey infiltrating North Korea's arms trade. He explains how his unassuming demeanor gained the trust of the regime, allowing him to navigate a perilous world of espionage. The conversation touches on the bizarre rituals that prepared him for missions, gripping tales of surveillance, and the moral complexities of his double life. Ulrich also discusses the daunting tasks ahead in rebuilding North Korea and the humor found in the oppressive regime.
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Undercover Rituals
- Ulrich Larsen developed rituals to maintain his undercover persona.
- These included spraying unpleasant cologne and listening to Metallica before meetings.
Close Call with Bug Detector
- During a debriefing, Alejandro used a bug detector around Ulrich, unknowingly scanning his hidden recording devices.
- Ulrich cleverly masked his equipment by holding his electric car key and offering it to Alejandro to scan.
Basement Restaurant Meeting
- Ulrich's first meeting with North Korean arms dealers took place in a basement restaurant.
- Despite initial fears, the meeting involved karaoke and a surprisingly relaxed atmosphere.