NYC Gazette

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that Pawel Bielecki, also known as "Paul HRH Saxe-Coburg-Gotha," a Franciscan friar based in Manhattan, has pled guilty to wire fraud. The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge Vincent Briccetti and relates to a scheme involving a fake medical charity purportedly operating in Beirut, Lebanon.

"This case serves as a stark reminder that fraudsters can exploit even the most noble causes for personal gain," said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams. He added that Bielecki's actions "not only robbed individuals of their hard-earned money but also undermined the spirit of generosity that drives charitable giving."

Bielecki is part of the Capuchin Order, a Catholic order of priests and brothers, based in New York City. He engaged in fraudulent activities by claiming to run medical clinics in Lebanon through various media channels, including radio programs and online podcasts. These claims were false, and he collected over $560,000 from victims under these pretenses.

Individuals who believe they may have been defrauded by Bielecki are encouraged to contact Special Agent Sean Smyth at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.

Bielecki, aged 48 and residing in New York City, faces up to 20 years in prison for his crime. However, this maximum sentence is prescribed by Congress and will ultimately be determined by a judge.

Williams commended the investigative efforts of Special Agents from both the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Division. He also expressed gratitude to the New York Field Office of U.S. Customs and Border Protection for their support during the investigation.

The prosecution is being managed by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin Levander and Ryan W. Allison from the White Plains Division.