Danish Scientist Poul Thorsen Extradited to U.S. to Face 2011 Wire Fraud Charges

Poul Thorsen, a 65-year-old Danish scientist specializing in autism and vaccine research, was extradited to the United States and flown back to Atlanta on May 7 under an extradition order after his arrest in Germany in summer 2025. Video posted to social media by federal officials showed Thorsen being escorted through Atlanta International Airport with a blue towel covering his shackled hands.

He had been avoiding arrest by remaining in Denmark since his 2011 indictment in Atlanta, where he had worked with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Federal prosecutors said Thorsen is accused of stealing more than $1 million from American taxpayers. According to court records reviewed by USA Today, he was accused of diverting a portion of $11 million in research funds paid to Danish government agencies. The CDC had awarded the Danish agencies funding for research into possible connections between autism and vaccines.

Thorsen was responsible for helping with the CDC-funded autism and vaccine research. Thorsen is accused of using the diverted money to buy cars, a house and a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. He was indicted in 2011 in Atlanta.

U.S. Attorney Theodore S. ” Following Thorsen's 2011 indictment, vaccine skeptics suggested that his prior research showing no link between autism and vaccines should be discounted. The CDC has launched a controversial investigation into possible connections between vaccines and autism under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F.

Kennedy, a longtime vaccine critic. Prior to Kennedy taking the reins, the CDC and other federal agencies said there was no link between autism and vaccines. The American Medical Association maintains that stance.

"... an abundance of evidence from decades of scientific studies shows no link between vaccines and autism," the AMA said in response to the CDC's 2025 announcement that it was reviewing possible links. USA Today reported that Thorsen had worked with the CDC in Atlanta on the Danish agency-funded project before the charges surfaced.