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Criminal who helped inspire 'Stockholm syndrome' theory dies

Politiko 2025-06-27 13:19:50

Criminal who helped inspire 'Stockholm syndrome' theory dies

One of two charismatic criminals involved in the kidnapping that gave the world the term "Stockholm syndrome" has died at the age of 78.

Clark Olofsson - who became globally famous in 1973 after a kidnapping and bank robbery in the Swedish capital - died after a long illness, his family said.

During a six-day siege, Olofsson's hostages began to sympathize with him and his accomplice, defending their actions while becoming more hostile to the police outside.

The incident gives its name to a psychological condition where kidnapping victims develop love for their captors.

The infamous bank siege was instigated by another man, Jan-Erik Olsson. After taking three women and a man hostage, he demanded that Olofsson - whom he had befriended earlier in prison - be brought to the bank from prison.

Swedish authorities granted his request and Olofsson entered the bank, which was surrounded by police.

Years later, in an interview with the newspaper Aftonbladet, he claimed he was asked to work as an insider to keep prisoners safe in exchange for a reduced sentence, but accused officials of not honoring the agreement.

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