527: Ulrich "The Mole" Larsen | Undercover in North Korea Part One

Building Trust

Ulrich Larsen, a Danish chef turned undercover agent, shares his journey of building trust within North Korea's secretive circles. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity, stating that to be a successful mole, one must be "95 percent yourself and 5 percent mole." This approach allowed him to gain the trust of North Korean officials, who even filmed themselves committing crimes, believing they were in safe company 1.

You have to be 95 percent yourself and then 5 percent mole, because you will always be tested by people when you walk in with criminals.

--- Ulrich Larsen

Larsen's ability to blend in and maintain a believable persona was crucial in navigating the dangerous environment of North Korea's illicit arms trade 2.

   

Manipulation & Deception

The art of manipulation and deception played a pivotal role in Ulrich Larsen's undercover operations. He recounts how his partner, Mr. James, embodied the persona of an out-of-control arms dealer, which was crucial for their success. Despite the North Koreans' attempts to verify his identity, they never thoroughly investigated him, allowing the deception to continue 3.

They don't really verify anything. They spent a lot of time with him, but they didn't even Google the company.

--- Jordan Harbinger

Larsen's strategic use of humor and cultural nuances further facilitated their negotiations, ensuring that Mr. James remained convincing in his role 4.