Swedish Man Charged with $3.8M Theft from New York Church

Authorities allege the suspect used the funds for personal expenses and failed business ventures.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:05pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a metal church donation box, its surface textured and reflecting a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the theft of funds from a religious organization.A harsh, close-up view of a church donation box exposes the vulnerability of religious institutions to internal theft and fraud.NYC Today

A Swedish man has been indicted in the United States on charges of stealing $3.8 million from the Church of Sweden in New York over a six-year period. The suspect, who worked as a baker in the church café and served on the board, is accused of using the stolen funds for personal expenses and failed business ventures.

Why it matters

This case highlights the vulnerability of religious institutions to internal theft and fraud, as well as the challenges churches face in maintaining financial oversight and accountability, especially for operations in foreign countries.

The details

According to prosecutors, the Swedish suspect allegedly stole nearly 35 million kronor from the Church of Sweden in New York between 2020 and 2026 while employed as a baker in the church café and serving on the organization's board. The funds were reportedly used for the suspect's personal expenses as well as failed business ventures.

  • The alleged thefts occurred over a six-year period from 2020 to 2026.

The players

Church of Sweden

A Swedish Lutheran church with a congregation in New York City.

The Swedish Suspect

A Swedish man who worked as a baker in the Church of Sweden café in New York and served on the church's board, accused of stealing $3.8 million from the organization.

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What’s next

The suspect has denied the charges, and the case is currently working its way through the U.S. legal system.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of robust financial controls and oversight, especially for religious organizations operating internationally, to prevent internal theft and fraud that can significantly impact their operations and mission.