Ordered in 2010, Delivered in 2026: Libyan Trader Finally Receives Nokia Phones After 16 Years, Video Goes Viral
After nearly 16 years of waiting through war, chaos and political turmoil, a Libyan trader in Tripoli has finally received a shipment of Nokia mobile phones he ordered back in 2010. The bizarre delay has now turned into a viral sensation, drawing laughter and reflection across social media platforms.
New Delhi, January 11: After nearly 16 years of waiting through war, chaos and political turmoil, a Libyan trader in Tripoli has finally received a shipment of Nokia mobile phones he ordered back in 2010. The bizarre delay has now turned into a viral sensation, drawing laughter and reflection across social media platforms.
In a now-viral video filmed in Tripoli, the trader and his friends are seen opening sealed boxes filled with outdated Nokia handsets, models that once represented status, wealth and cutting-edge technology. As they inspect the devices, laughter fills the room. “Are these phones or artifacts?” the trader jokes, triggering amusement among those present. 7 Minute 11 Second Viral Video Couple 'Marry' and 'Umair' Arrested in Pakistan? Fact Check.
16 Years Late: Libyan Trader Finally Unboxes Nokia Phones Ordered Before War
According to the men in the video, the consignment was handed over to a contact in 2010 but never reached its destination after Libya plunged into conflict following the NATO-backed intervention and the prolonged civil war. Adding to the irony, both the sender and the recipient lived in Tripoli, barely a few kilometres apart. “It must have travelled the world and come back,” one man quips. WestJet Viral Video: Alberta Family's Cramped Flight Sparks Debate Over Safety and Comfort.
The shipment includes bulky early-generation phones, music-edition models and premium Communicator handsets that were once affordable only to elites. As they reminisce, one man remarks, “Sixteen years ago, this could have bought a big house,” underscoring how rapidly technology depreciates with time.
Beyond the humour, the video has sparked deeper conversations online. Many users called it a powerful reminder of how war disrupts everyday life, trade and livelihoods. Others noted the irony that the phones, once obsolete, may now hold unexpected value. “With today’s vintage and collector market, especially in the US, these could sell for more than their original price,” one comment read.
What began as a delayed delivery has now become a global talking point, blending comedy, nostalgia and a sobering reflection on the long-lasting impact of conflict.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 11, 2026 09:21 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).