A baker at the Church of Sweden in Midtown Manhattan has been charged with stealing more than $3.8 million from the congregation, according to New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Olof Olsson, 45, who worked at the church’s cafe and also served as a board member and financial advisor, is accused of misappropriating funds from the church, also known as the Swedish Seamen’s Church, prosecutors said in a 24-count indictment.
Authorities said Olsson, a licensed securities broker, was responsible for safeguarding church donations and bequests. He is now accused of abusing that position by funneling funds into bank accounts he solely controlled.
The indictment alleges Olsson stole at least $3.8 million in church donations over a six-year period.
“When churchgoers donate money, they expect their generous contributions will be used to support their church and its mission,” Attorney General James wrote in a statement. “Olof Olsson took advantage of his role as a trusted member of the Swedish Church of New York to steal millions of dollars from his fellow churchgoers. My office will always seek to hold those accountable who take advantage of hard-working, charitable New Yorkers.”
According to the indictment, Olsson opened bank accounts in the church’s name and forged financial statements to conceal withdrawals used to pay for personal expenses, including food, utility bills and to “fund failed ventures.”
The Office of the Attorney General said it opened an investigation in December 2025 after uncovering evidence of wrongdoing. The agency’s Public Integrity Bureau found that Olsson carried out the alleged scheme between July 2018 and December 2025.
Olsson is charged with two counts of grand larceny in the first degree, one count of grand larceny in the second degree, 18 counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree, and three counts of falsifying business records in the first degree.
If convicted, he faces up to 25 years in prison.