Poul Thorsen, a Danish researcher and former visiting scientist at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was arraigned on May 8 in Atlanta on federal wire fraud and money laundering charges following his extradition from Germany.
The case highlights concerns about safeguarding public funds designated for scientific research. Prosecutors allege that Thorsen stole more than $1 million intended for autism research by submitting fraudulent invoices and diverting the money to his personal accounts.
“Poul Thorsen allegedly stole more than $1 million in federal grant money by submitting fabricated invoices and diverting funds to his personal bank accounts,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “International fugitives who think they can avoid responsibility for serious federal crimes by living overseas are wrong. Due to the unwavering persistence of my office and our law enforcement partners, Thorsen has been extradited to the United States and will face justice in federal court.” According to Hertzberg, from 2000 to 2009, the CDC awarded over $11 million in grants to two agencies in Denmark for studies on autism, vaccines, cerebral palsy, pregnancy infections, childhood development, and fetal alcohol exposure. In 2002, Thorsen became responsible for administering these research funds.
Authorities say that between February 2004 and June 2008, Thorsen submitted more than a dozen fraudulent invoices with forged signatures claiming work had been performed by a CDC laboratory. As a result of these documents sent to Aarhus University—a recipient institution—hundreds of thousands of dollars were transferred into credit union accounts believed by university officials to belong to the CDC but which were actually controlled personally by Thorsen.
“Thorsen is alleged to have diverted more than a million dollars designated for critical public health and autism research. These funds were entrusted to advance scientific understanding and support children and families; instead, these tax dollars were exploited for personal gain, a serious breach of law and profound betrayal of public trust,” said Kelly Blackmon with the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Thorsen’s extradition reinforces a core principle: individuals who are accused in an indictment of defrauding the American people and misusing federally funded research will be pursued wherever they flee. HHS-OIG… remain committed to safeguarding the integrity of federal programs…”
After evading arrest since an April 2011 indictment by remaining overseas nearly fourteen years—most recently residing in Denmark—Thorsen was arrested on June 4, 2025 in Passau, Germany under an INTERPOL Red Notice before being returned this month under German approval for extradition.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office serves as principal law enforcement agency across north Georgia—including Atlanta suburbs—and coordinates cases with national or international scope while prioritizing threats such as terrorism or civil rights violations according to its official website.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen H. McClain is prosecuting this case which remains under investigation by HHS-OIG investigators.
Members of the public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt at trial.
