Poul Thorsen pleads guilty to stealing $1M in CDC research funds

Poul Thorsen, a 65-year-old researcher from Denmark, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud in the United States. Thorsen admitted to operating a scheme that diverted more than $1 million in grant money from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The funds were specifically earmarked for research into autism, infant disabilities, and birth defects.

A fugitive for more than 14 years, Thorsen was extradited from Germany to the United States earlier this year. He had been in custody without bail since his arrival in May. Prosecutors stated that the stolen funds were used to support Thorsen’s personal lifestyle.

Thorsen, associated with Aarhus University, faces potential prison time and will be required to pay full restitution to the CDC. The case is being handled by the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.