Canadian Prime Minister Fooled by Phone Call Impersonating Environmental Activist Thunberg

Russian YouTuber Known for Prank Calls Poses as Swedish Youth Environmental Activist Greta Thunberg on Phone

▲Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was reportedly tricked by a prank call impersonating Swedish youth environmental activist Greta Thunberg, leading to a humorous incident discussing international relations, the British BBC reported on the 24th (local time).

The incident became known after Russian YouTubers Vladimir Krasnov and Aleksei Stolyarov (known as Bovan and Lexus), famous for prank calls, released the recording of their call with Prime Minister Trudeau.

According to reports, the call impersonating Thunberg to Prime Minister Trudeau took place in January. It was right after a Ukraine Airlines passenger plane carrying 55 Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents was shot down.

They first expressed concerns about the international crisis and the possibility of war related to the passenger plane crash.

In response, Prime Minister Trudeau said, "I have received many calls over the past week," adding, "I have spoken with world leaders about easing tensions and world peace."

The fake Thunberg then replied, "If we do not go to war and love each other, we can make the world a better place," adding, "We can create a world for Black people, Christians, Muslims, President Trump, Russian President Putin, you, and me."

When the fake Thunberg said, "President Trump is doing everything he can to kill us," Trudeau responded, "It is my responsibility to work with leaders chosen by others."

Prime Minister Trudeau also expressed gratitude to the fake Thunberg by mentioning Thunberg's visit to Canada during the 2019 'climate strike' protests urging climate change measures.

The Canadian Prime Minister's Office stated that the Prime Minister found the conversation strange and soon ended the call.

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office explained, "At the time, many leaders worldwide were contacting the Prime Minister, so it seems the prank call was connected to him."