Jalopnik: Stefan Eriksson

Hide the Enzos? Stefan Eriksson Goes Free

Ray Wert — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 06:44:45 EST

The man who launched a thousand memes after crashing a Ferrari Enzo on the PCH that wasn't technically his — was just released from a California jail where he's spent the past two years on charges of embezzlement in November 2006, days after a jury had failed to agree a verdict on charges he had stolen two Ferrari Enzos and a top-end Mercedes-Benz. Stefan Eriksson, the former Gizmondo executive, who goes by other names including "Fat Steffe" (in Sweden), "Ferrari Steffen" (in the US) and "The Evil One Who Destroys Beautiful Things" (in Maranello, Modena Italy), was transferred to a detention facility outside of LA on December 13th as he awaits transport...

...to either Sweden or Germany, where his wife and daughter have their home. No word on whether he'll also receive his license back — but we're hoping he won't. We can't bear to see another Enzo bite the dust. Haven't we already been through enough? We mean, come on — we're still waiting to see Dietrich/Karney go to jail and don't even get us started on Eddie Griffin — we're still of the opinion there should be a death penalty for doing what he did. (Hat tip to JanTheMan!) [thelocal.se]

Stefan Eriksson's Passenger Arrested

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 14:15:00 EDT

In the case of the car crash that won't die, Trevor Michael Karney was arrested by sheriffs around 9:00 am Wednesday in Marina del Ray, near Venice Beach in California. Mr Karney, as some of you surely recall, was present at the scene of the infamous Ferrari Enzo crash in Malibu, but reported to police that he was in fact a passenger in a Mercedes McLaren SLR. Not only that, but he too saw the totally fictional Dietrich flee up into the hills. Turns out that Karney IS Dietrich. Well, not exactly, as Eriksson admitted in court that he was in fact driving the Enzo drunk at 160 mph when he then cleaved the the Italian exotic in half with a telephone pole. And Karney was arrested for being the passenger. So that makes Fat Stefan Dietrich and Karney Eriksson. Whew, glad that's sorted out. More hot facts after you leap.

Eriksson was taken into custody at the scene after failing two alcohol breath tests. He later admitted to driving the Ferrari.
Authorities later determined that there had been no Mercedes and no "Dietrich" and that Karney had been a passenger in the Ferrari.

Authorities later said they determined that Karney had flagged down another motorist before deputies arrived at the scene. Karney allegedly asked the driver if he could borrow a cell phone. As Karney made a call, he sat in the other vehicle's front driver seat, the San Francisco Chronicle has reported.

The motorist later called police, saying he had found a fully loaded handgun clip jammed under the seat, according to the Chronicle.

Karney then disappeared. An acquaintance of Karney, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Friday that Karney fled to his native Dublin, Ireland.

He returned to California around a month ago via Tijuana, and a friend helped smuggle him into the United States, the acquaintance said.

Authorities tracked him down this week, thanks to medical bills generated after his return to California and sent to a Marina del Rey address, the source said.

[cbs2.com]

CNN Web Site Serves Up Semi-Naughty Word To Describe Enzo-Busting Ex-Gizmondo Exec

Ray Wert — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 11:51:51 EST

We're known to drop an f-bomb or two on occasion on these pages, just for, you know, dramatic effect. Sometimes that drama even includes an s-bomb and a d-bomb, and although we've yet to drop the c-bomb, we've pretty much used every other four-lettered expletive we can think of. But unlike CNN.com, we've never used the r-bomb before. The r-bomb? Yes, the r-bomb — as in "ripshit." Some of you may be asking yourself, "Self, WTF is ripshit?" Others of you are asking "Self, since they've never used ripshit before, can we go and get a cookie?" Both groups are perfectly fine in asking said questions — but for the group not rummaging about for a cookie, according to the grand source of all things full of truthiness, Wikipedia, "ripshit [is] another synonym for bullshit." Hmm, sounds semi-naughty to us — but we've also heard it used to mean "extremely angry...or insane." Either way, we think it fits the intended use by the Business 2.0 side of CNN.com in describing number 93 on the list of 101 dumbest business moments of 2006 as being "like a totally ripshit videogame..." That's right, they're talking about former Gizmondo exec and member of the Swedish mafia, Stefan Eriksson, over his Enzo-busting exploits (gallery reminder for those who've forgotten below) that were so brilliantly stupid, a t-shirt was designed in order to raise awareness. Guess we'll have to give some props to CNN for calling a spade a spade — or one ripshit fucker, a ripshit fucker. [Hat tip to Bumblebee!] – Ray Wert

93. Stefan Eriksson: Sounds like a totally ripshit videogame... [CNN/Money]

Swede Found Dirty: Stefan Eriksson Gets Three in the Hoosegow

Davey G. Johnson — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 21:45:00 EST

It looks like the sad, sordid tale of the Brokeback Enzo (which two of the So-Cal Jalops attempted to find the death-site of a week or so ago after failing miserably back in March), is over. Fat Stefan scored hisself a three-year sentence on embezzlement and firearms charges, to be served concurrently with his six-month sentence for drink-driving. Jim Parkman goes back to Alabama, Stefan leaves the U.S. when he gets out of the pokey in what his attorneys figure will be late '07 or '08. The Bel-Air manse gets sold to pay the debts. No word if Stefan will find his shirt hanging inside Dietrich's when he gets out. – Davey G. Johnson

KNBC via Autoblog

Breaking! Mistrial Declared In Stefan Eriksson Ferrari Crash

Ray Wert — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 15:21:59 EST

The trial against Stefan Eriksson, the Swedish ~~mafia-man~~ businessman ground to a halt today when jurors told Judge Patricia Schnegg they were deadlocked 10-2 in favor of convicting Bo Stefan Eriksson on the two counts of grand theft and fraudulent concealment with intent to defraud. This was in addition to his previous plea of no contest to a drunk driving charge in connection with the February 21st crash where he went from simple game boy-wannabe-makin' exec in the public eye — to Swede capo with a penchant for destroying $1.5 million Ferrari Enzos. He's still waiting trial on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm — a .357-Magnum handgun that authorities found on his premises in March. No word yet on whether prosecutors will take another shot at Eriksson. Ha! I slay me. [Hat tip to a321hoss123!]– Ray Wert

Mistrial declared in Ferrari crash case [ContraCosta Times]

Brokeback Enzo Update: Fat Steffie Rejects Plea

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 12:25:00 EDT

Swedish mafia d n (sorry, businessman) and driver of the infamous Brokeback Enzo, Stefan Eriksson has rejected a plea deal that would have ended trial proceedings for the string of charges he faces. Accepting the deal would have meant pleading "no contest" to four counts, in exchange for a two year, four month sentence and $25,000 fine. Eriksson would also have had to admit to a pattern of related felony conduct including taking, damaging and destroying something of value in excess of $1 million, alleged conduct related to fraud and embezzlement in excess of $500,000, and racketeering while Swedish, a little-used statute stemming from the famous Herring Connection case of the 1970s. Now, Eriksson faces 11 years in jail for two counts of theft, two counts of embezzlement and two counts related to driving under the influence. Oddly enough, charges related to the $1 million Ferrari returned in pieces to the UK financial institution that's its rightful owner are apparently no longer an issue; according to Eriksson's attorney, the bank isn't coming to LA to plead its case. Yeah, no justice. [Thanks to Nick for the tip.] – Mike Spinelli

"Ferrari Guy" Counts Dropped by Two; Plea Deal Rejected by Stefan Eriksson; Parkman at it Again [WSFA-TV (AL)]

Oh, The Stefan Saga Never Ends, Does It? Eriksson's F1 Deal

Davey G. Johnson — Tue, 15 Aug 2006 06:30:00 EDT

Over at Pitpass, former Jordan marketing head Mark Gallagher offers his take on the Gizmondo mess from an insider's perspective, having dealt with Carl Freer shortly before his departure and maintaining contact with a number of folks involved while the whole thing began to unravel. Interestingly enough, Jordan was one of the few entities involved to actually score their ducats back, albeit via litigation. And well, frankly, you know the rest of the story. Click through if your back isn't already broken by so much Enzo intrigue. [Thanks to Darryl and his other brother Darryl for the tip.]

F1nvestor: For a few dollars more [Pitpass]

The Ferrari Enzo: Born To Drift

Ray Wert — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 08:39:30 EDT

This has to be one of the most aggressive Enzo drivers we've ever seen. We'd be afraid to pull the $1,000,000 limited edition car named after the Ferrari founder out of neutral. Well, that's not true — but we know we wouldn't be drifting one of these bad boys around the track. But...this driver — who is not Stefan — feels more than happy to do it...and we're more than happy to watch.

Stefan Eriksson's Cars Go Back to Blighty

Davey G. Johnson — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 14:30:00 EDT

Fat Stefan is losing his wheels. The Brokeback Enzo, its black brother and Eriksson's Mercedes SLR are all returning to England, where banks have laid claim to the vehicles. Although Eriksson's legal team claims he owns the vehicles, a judge has ruled that the cars' rightful home is with the financial institutions that doled out the loads. If the bank is smart, they'll send the cracked-up car back to Ferrari for an overhaul and then sell the thing at Barrett-Jackson. Also, reader Nick tipped us off to an extensive interview with Jim Parkman, Eriksson's Alabama-based lawyer. [Thanks also to Scott for tippage.]

Wreckage from Ferrari crash to be returned to England [Sacramento Bee]

Stefan Eriksson Finds Lawyer in Alabama

Davey G. Johnson — Mon, 12 Jun 2006 16:30:00 EDT

Freakin' 'Bama, man. It played a completely nonexistent role in our life until we stumbled across Brother vs. Brother and then suddenly it's everywhere. And now Dietrich's ex has added Dothan, AL-based lawyer Jim Parkman to his legal defense team. Parkman, who helped exonerate former HealthSouth chieftain Richard Scrushy of fraud charges, says, "Most of my clients are pretty good, really nice people." Yeah, and in Eriksson's case, a pretty good, really nice, former schoolyard bully with Swedish Mafia ties who apparently cracked up one of the greatest cars ever built. God, we're sick of that state. [Thanks to Nick for the tip]

Ferrari Man's Case Moves Forward, Dothan Lawyer Ready to Take on L.A. [WSFA]

Related:
Not-Guilty Song for Stefan Eriksson to Sing [Internal]

The Ferrari Of Notebook Computers Is -- An Acer?

Ray Wert — Mon, 05 Jun 2006 11:18:48 EDT

Although we're less geeky than our 'puter loving cousin — we're all for the cross-brand marketing — especially when it involves the Italian stallion, Ferrari. And to us, nothing says Ferrari like...Acer? Like we said, we ain't Gizmodo — but to us Acer doesn't so much scream "Ferrari." Especially when you hear how these notebooks have been Ferrarized:

The exclusive carbon fiber casing of the Ferrari 5000 and Ferrari 1000 conceals the very latest...performance and elegance gained from the alliance between two companies constantly focused on innovation and renowned for pushing the boundaries of technology.

Yup. Nothing says Ferrari like a case that shatters on impact. Just ask Stefan Eriksson. (Hat tip to Tim!)

Acer unveils Ferrari 5000 and Ferrari 1000: new Ferrari dual-core notebook range [RideRoom]

Not-Guilty Song for Stefan Eriksson to Sing

Davey G. Johnson — Tue, 30 May 2006 18:00:00 EDT

While the erstwhile Gizmondo exec sat resplendent in his orange jumpsuit in a SoCal courtroom today, we're sure there's part of his subconscious that was screaming the Swedish equivalent of "I must look like a dork." But all he said was "Yes," when the judge asked him if he was switching attorneys. His new solicitor, Alec Rose, entered a "not guilty" plea on ol' Bo's behalf. Is the attorney switch a big crux? Who knows? We're diggin' the intrigue, regardless. [Thanks to NorCal pals Scott and Damon for the tippage.]

Swedish man pleads not guilty to charges from PCH Ferrari crash [Internal]

Stefan's Speed Revised Upward

Davey G. Johnson — Fri, 19 May 2006 14:15:21 EDT

Apparently, Fat Stefan and his co-pilot, Trevor Karney (will the real Dietrich please stand up?) weren't travelling at a prosaic 160-ish. After all, a well-tuned 4th Generation Camaro could do that. No, recalculated scene forensics place the speed at 194mph. What's more, the rumored tape of the escapade exists and is believed to be in Karney's posession.

According to the Malibu Times "[Sgt. Philip] Brooks [of the Lost Hills/Malibu Sheriff's Station] also confirmed that a videotape shot from inside the car has been seen by at least one witness, who said the digital speedometer read 199 when the tape suddenly went "all flippy" as the camera malfunctioned during the crash."

F1 safety technology works, kids. [Thanks to Nick for the tip.]

Enzo Ferrari topped 194 mph before crash [Malibu Times]

Related:
More Stefan Eriksson [Internal]

Brokeback Enzo XVIII: Stefan Eriksson Goes Back to Court, Arraignment Posponed

Mike Spinelli — Mon, 15 May 2006 17:49:10 EDT

To paraphrase erstwhile arena-rock band Journey, "still they write." They write (at least CNN does) because entrepreneur, Ferrari Enzo crasher, alleged counterfeiter, Homeland Security officer and reported member of an odd kind of balls-out Mafia only Sweden could produce, Stefan Eriksson, returned to court in Los Angeles, today. But Eriksson won't have to face charges of embezzlement, grand theft, drunken driving, racketeering while Swedish and felonous firearm possession until May 30. What's more, last week police raided a small bus company that had allegedly started a barely-legitmate police force based on an obscure federal transportation law — it was the same company that had reportedly issued Eriksson a Homeland Security officer's badge. In the raid, police seized weapons, badges and other materiel. We're still waiting for a proper tag name for this incident to emerge, our own submission, "herring-gate," having been rejected out of hand.

Strange saga of smashed Ferrari back in court [CNN]

Related:
More on Stefan Eriksson [internal]

Mack Reed's 'Ballad of Dietrich and the Demolished Enzo'

Davey G. Johnson — Tue, 09 May 2006 23:00:29 EDT

LA-based blogger, journalist and designer Mack Reed (known to his G's as McRib) has decided to immortalize the plight of Stefan Eriksson in song. But not just any song. His vision is of a collaborate effort, resulting in "something like a punk narcocorrido by Social D. with Dick Dale on guest lead guitar and Damon Albarn on keyboards." He's already written the first part, posted over at LAVoice. Anybody care to take on the rest? Also, for you kids who love the rockets, he's got a great piece on the dismantling of Rocketdyne's VTS-1 test stand here which is a fantastic read for anyone who understands that aerospace and hot rodding were birthed from different sides of the same loins.

The Ballad of Dietrich and the Demolished Enzo [LAVoice]

Related:
Stefanage, Erikssonianism [Internal]

Bo No! Stefan Eriksson Faces New Charges

Davey G. Johnson — Tue, 09 May 2006 15:50:37 EDT

Damon kicked down the news that a certain Friend of Dietrich is facing new charges, unrelated to the Brokeback Enzo debacle, but linked to him after a search of his home by authorities. Apparently, Fat Stefan had an incident in a borrowed Porsche Cayenne a month before the Ferrari crash, and is now being charged with hit and run. We really can't put it any better than Damon: "You ever notice how some people have a greater 'shit happens' gravitational pull?"

Driver in Ferrari case faces new charges [CNN]

Related:
More Stefan Eriksson [Internal]

Breaking! Brokeback Enzo Case -- The Tribulations and Trials of Stefan Eriksson

Ray Wert — Tue, 02 May 2006 14:51:33 EDT

Looks like it's good news / bad news day for he-of-many-transliterations as Stefan Erikkson finds his bail lowered from the knightly sum of $5.5 million to the just-under-knightly sum of $3 million. That's the good news. The bad...well...the judge has ordered him to stand trial on charges of embezzlement, grand theft auto and other miscellaneous misdemeanor charges. Right, cause he totally needs more charges on top of the three counts of embezzlement and three grand theft auto charges — all of which are already felony charges. Although maybe they can make something up for the game-exec cum mafia-wannabe cum hoon and charge him with something like "destroying a super car" or "reckless stupidity." (Hat tip to Matt)

Trial ordered in case of hot Ferrari [CNN]

Related:
More on the Enzo [internal]

Last Night Everything Broke/Dietrich Ate My Homework: Jalopnik/TTAC's AC Schnitzer Adventure

Davey G. Johnson — Mon, 01 May 2006 22:14:33 EDT

So what happens when two punk rockin' autojournalists attempt to make an attempt to retrace the route of Stefan and "Dietrich" in an AC Schnitzer-tuned 6-Series droptop while cranking Jawbreaker's Bivouac album? The front fascia decides to take a dirt-nap as a result of aerodynamic pressure at 70mph (approximately 90 mph slower than Eriksson's wee mishap) and they ride back to the Claus Ettenberger shop in a big honkin' International flatbed driven by a gregarious man in a Dodgers cap.

Less ignominious and rife with intrigue than the fateful ride Mr. Eriksson took, for sure, but Davey G. and Jonny Lieberman nevertheless shamefacedly trudged back to Pedro in Lieberman's WRX, having been failed by a faulty front end just short of their goal. We didn't even have time for any hoonage. Check Lieberman's lengthier account over at The Truth About Cars.

AC Schnitzer ACS6 [The Truth About Cars]

Related:
More AC Schnitzer [Internal]

Forenzoic Scene: Reconstructing the Brokeback Dietrich Incident

Davey G. Johnson — Wed, 19 Apr 2006 18:03:32 EDT

Slate's Daniel Engber explains how crash investigators arrived at a pretty solid conclusion of what was going on with Stefan Eriksson's Enzo when it went flying into a telephone pole all "Jerry Was a Race Car Driver"-style. Still, much remains unanswered. And where in God's name is Dietrich? We wants us some Dietrich!

Accident Reconstruction 101 [Slate]

Related:
Bo Knows Arraignments! [Internal]

Bo Knows Arraignments!

Ray Wert — Mon, 17 Apr 2006 17:46:04 EDT

More shocking to us than the arraignment of Swedish-mafioso turned Gizmondo exec turned street-race-tard Stefan M. Eriksson on charges of embezzlement, grand theft and possession of a gun by a felon, was that his first name ain't Stefan. His middle name is Stefan. His first name is Bo. We are so disappointed, cause we totally woulda done a "Bo Don't Know" joke-arc.

Prosecutors charge Swedish businessman in LA Ferrari case [ContraCostaTimes]

Woohoo! High School Poop on the Brokeback Enzo Man!

Davey G. Johnson — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 00:57:17 EDT

A reader, who we will protect from the worst Mafia ever by not naming, sent us this e-mail. We're goofy-happy. Suck on that LA Times (except for Dan Neil, who we pledge undying fealty to — speaking of that, our check's late this month, Dan).

Wow, small world. I live in [state redacted for his protection] and was on springbreak vacation with my kids down in the Beverly Hills area when I saw the crash and confiscation about his cars. I grow up with him in Uppsala, Sweden, we went to school together, Eriksbergs school (high school) and we also went to grade school together. He was put in a special class for rowdy kids.

He was a thief and a bully back then. My brother who still lives in Sweden has sent me many clips of Stefans life over the years. Drug dealing, running a mafia ring, He started he criminal career when he was in middle school. Anyone who knows him from back then in the 70's, would know how he got his cars, money etc. I wouldn't think he ever had a job in his life. A few months ago I found an old school picture/poster taken from the roof of our highschool with all students in it. And there he was...... Small world

Related:
More Stefan Eriksson [Internal]

You Can't Find Justice, It'll Find You: More on Stefan Eriksson's Arrest

Davey G. Johnson — Mon, 10 Apr 2006 19:23:05 EDT

Blah, blah, blah Hoonzo, Glock clip, San Gabriel Valley Transit Authority, Gizmondo, Chinese Democracy, Uppsala, Double Nickels on the Dime, San Pedro, New Rochelle, Detroit, a very small state, and wet burritos. The real spiel on Fat Stefan's woes? We'll hand it over to the San Francisco Chronicle: "Asked if the operation by deputies at Eriksson's home was essentially an elaborate repossession, Whitmore said, 'Yes.'" Whoa, transcontinental repo-man goon-squad action! Somebody call Alex Cox.

An arrest for theft in Malibu mystery [SFGate]

Related:
Stefan Eriksson Arrested! [Internal]

Stefan Eriksson Arrested!

Mike Spinelli — Sun, 09 Apr 2006 14:39:52 EDT

Wither Dietrich?

Enzo-crash survivor, Gizmondo ex-exec, dubious Homeland security agent and alleged Swedish mafia denizen and counterfeiter, Stefan Eriksson got a visit from Johnny Law last night — and they took him for a ride in their Crown Vics. After months of investigation, Eriksson was arrested at his Bel Air home on suspicion of grand theft, though, according to reports, it's unclear whether authorities believe he stole the Ferrari Enzo that became carbon-fiber eBay merchandise on a Malibu highway last February. They do believe the stole something, however, and slapped an immigration hold on him. More to come. [Thanks to Damon for the tip.]

Rare Ferrari Crash Driver Arrested For Car's Theft [CBS (hat tip to Drivewire)]

Related:
More on Stefan Eriksson

Stefan Eriksson Loses Another One

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 28 Mar 2006 11:12:53 EST

Telephone pole 1, Scotland Yard 1, Los Angeles Police 1, Stefan Eriksson 0.

Everyone's favorite former videogame executive / Swedish Mafia (stop snickering) member ~~Steffan~~ Stefan Eriksson lost another car to the powers that be. His Malibu crash earlier this month led to unwanted attention that's resulting in further liquidation of the Eriksson super-exotic collection. Yesterday, LAPD stopped his wife for driving his unregistered Mercedes McLaren SLR, after it was spotted with only European license plates attached. (Oh, and she had no license.) Now, Scotland Yard has confirmed the car may have been stolen in the UK. Was it the SLR that had been reportedly racing the Enzo during the crash? Somewhere in Sweden there's a Mafia family missing its Fredo. [Thanks to Nick for the tip.]

Ferrari Owner Is Minus His Second Car [Los Angeles Times]

Related:
More on Brokeback Enzo: There s a Video! [internal]

The Jalopnik Morning Shift

Ray Wert — Tue, 28 Mar 2006 11:05:49 EST

• Unfortunately for 500 engineers it's a "Black Tuesday" in Warren today. [Freep]
• Yeah, we guess car safety seats would be considered a "health tip." [Forbes]
• Stefan Erikkson has a had a really bad couple of months here. First the Enzo, and now his McLaren's been confiscated. What's a euro game exec gotta do these days to keep an exotic car? [LA Times]
• How are hospitals dealing with the spiraling costs of health care? [BBC News]
• GM's got an idea here. Maybe in order to turn a profit they should just build other automakers' cars. And to avoid trademark issues, they should just add -car to the end of the name. First one up, the mini-car. [Sify]
• Really, the award should be named "Fleet Car of 2006...Too Expensive To Be In My Fleet" [Auto Spectator]
• WTO to China: "I am the law." China to WTO: "And I care because?" [Financial Times]

Was Gizmondo Executive Driver of Busted-Ass Enzo?

Mike Spinelli — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 09:18:14 EST

The Wreck of the Ferrari Enzo (whither, Gordon Lightfoot?) has been cleared from the Pacific Coast Highway, but the mystery remains: Was the driver the Stefan Eriksson? Nope, you've never heard of him unless you've got one foot in the geekosphere and the other on a bullet train to Stockholm. That Stefan "Fat Steffy" Eriksson is an erstwhile executive of Gizmondo, the ill-fated handheld gaming device that sent many a stockholder scurrying up something tall to jump from, and may or may not still have a future. Swedes know him as an alleged counterfeiter with equally alleged ties to Sweden's Uppsala mafia.

From KTLA:

The driver jumped out of the wreckage and ran into the canyon above, evading a three-hour search by a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department helicopter and a mountain search-and-rescue team.

Sheriff's investigators identified him as 44-year-old Stefan Eriksson, a Bel-Air resident. Officials are trying to determine whether he is the noted Swedish game designer whose firm, perhaps not surprisingly, was involved with car-racing themed video games.

TG Daily's Aaron McKenna says of Gizmondo, "In the past dot-com's were criticised for lavish spending on frivolous items, but rarely have we seen a company then and since that has had so much dodgy cash flying about." Not Dodge, Ferrari. Allegedly.

Fast Cars, Big Debts And The Mafia: The Gizmondo Story [TG Daily]

Direkt rerna har f tt l nga f ngelsestraff [Aftenbladet]

Related:
Bended Enzo Roundup [internal]