Catholic Cleric Charged with Embezzling $650K, Used Donations for Luxury Living

A Catholic cleric, Pawel Bielecki, also known as “Father Paul,” has been charged with wire and mail fraud after allegedly embezzling over $650,000 intended for medical clinics in Lebanon.

Federal authorities accuse Bielecki of using the donations to fund a lavish lifestyle rather than supporting the purported clinics.

The Province of St. Mary of the Capuchin Order is headquartered in White Plains. J.C. Rice

Bielecki, 48, claimed to operate medical facilities in war-torn Lebanon but instead was residing in Manhattan. According to federal prosecutors, Bielecki exploited his position as a friar to solicit donations from compassionate individuals across the U.S. for non-existent clinics.

For the past eight years, he used local radio shows and crowdfunding sites to solicit funds, falsely emphasizing the impact of the August 4, 2020, Beirut explosion, which killed 218 people.

“Bielecki (above) exploited his position as a friar to gain the trust of victims across the country and steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from them,” said Damian Williams, US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, FaceBook St. Stanislaus Kostka

Authorities discovered that Bielecki was actually in Manhattan on the day of the explosion and had not left the U.S. between December 2019 and April 2022.

Bielecki’s fraudulent activities included withdrawing nearly $50,000 in cash and transferring over $600,000 to credit card companies to cover personal expenses.

Bielecki emailed a Pennsylvania woman, saying her donation helped pay for an ambulance overseas. Bielecki had just attended a “body contouring examination” appointment at a “New York-based” liposuction clinic. U.S. Attorneyâs Office – Southern District of New York

These expenses included a $15,000 liposuction procedure, high-end restaurant meals, and trips to the Hamptons. Additionally, he reportedly used the donations for a $334 monthly gym membership and other personal luxuries.

Bielecki used the horrific August 4, 2020, Beirut explosion, which levelled much of that city, to fill his coffers. AFP via Getty Images

In his deceitful operation, Bielecki employed multiple aliases and falsely claimed his credentials. He purportedly posed as a surgeon and a United Nations researcher, and in September, he legally changed his name to “Paul HRH Saxe-Coburg-Gotha,” with “HRH” denoting “His Royal Highness.”

Prosecutors said the friar, who claimed he was severely injured in the blast, was never there — and “made several purchases at coffee shops, restaurants and other businesses” in Manhattan the day of the tragedy. AFP via Getty Images

The cleric’s fraudulent activities were uncovered when he was reported by his own order, the Capuchin Franciscans, in August 2023. Father Robert Abbatiello, provincial minister of the Province of St.

Father Robert Abbatiello, provincial minister of The Province of St. Mary, said the order “reported Friar Paul’s suspicious behaviour to the U.S. Attorney’s office and is continuing to cooperate with them fully.” J.C. Rice

Mary, which oversees Bielecki’s order, expressed profound disappointment and noted that the province had conducted an internal investigation which revealed Bielecki’s dishonesty. The order is now cooperating fully with federal authorities and consulting with their superiors in Rome to determine appropriate canonical actions.

“Are you serious?” was the reaction of “devastated” Brooklyn community leader Ralph Succar when told BieleckBielecki wasfraud. Gabriella Bass

Bielecki’s deception included misleading a Pennsylvania couple who transferred $84,000 to his bank account. The cleric misled them with promises of medical aid while using their donations for personal indulgences. The couple, along with other donors, were shocked to learn of Bielecki’s arrest and the misuse of their contributions.

Authorities said Bielecki was living in a friary in Manhattan. Sources said the accused conman resided on Stanton Street on the Lower East Side. Google

Bielecki remains in federal detention and faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted. His actions have caused significant distress among those who trusted him and have raised concerns about the exploitation of charitable contributions. Father Abbatiello stated that the province is committed to ensuring justice and providing support to those affected by Bielecki’s fraud.