Danish Kebab Restaurant Owner Infiltrated North Korea's European Spy Network
An unlikely undercover agent from Aarhus exposed one of the regime's most sophisticated espionage operations in Europe
Quick Facts
The Unlikely Spy from Aarhus
Ulrich Larsen was no James Bond. The discreet Danish man ran a kebab restaurant in Aarhus while simultaneously working as an undercover agent against North Korean espionage and money laundering operations across Europe. For eight years, he lived a double life—a story now documented in the acclaimed series "The Mole" (Muldvarpen).
The series aired on ZDF and Norwegian NRK in 2020 and has since been broadcast in over 50 countries. His account ranks among the most remarkable espionage stories of the 21st century.
From Chance Meeting to Deep Infiltration
Larsen first made contact with North Korean representatives through what appeared to be a random encounter. But what began as an innocent acquaintance gradually evolved into a dangerous infiltration of the isolated regime's European network.
The series follows Larsen's journey step by step—how he slowly built trust with North Korean agents and took on increasingly greater risks. The documentary also reveals the psychological toll of living in the shadows: the strain on his family back home, the restaurant business, and the constant fear of exposure.
Secret Recordings from Dangerous Meetings
The heart of the series lies in the spectacular secret recordings Larsen gathered during his operations. The footage documents North Korean diplomats, spies, and businesspeople across Europe at meetings, money transfers, and exchanges of sensitive information.
