New York Archdiocese officials have suspended Pawel Bielecki, known as “Father Paul” and the “Abdominal Surgeon,” from all priestly duties. The Capuchin friar allegedly used $650,000 in fake charity donations to fund plastic surgery and an extravagant lifestyle, the FBI says.
“He cannot hear confessions, celebrate Mass, preside over baptisms, funerals, or weddings, or provide counseling,” said Molly Fullington, spokeswoman for the Order of St. Mary’s Capuchin Sisters.
Elaborate Fraud Targeted Sympathetic Donors
Between 2015 and 2023, Bielecki solicited funds on local radio shows and crowdfunding platforms. He claimed to run a hospital and ambulance service in war-torn Lebanon but was living in Manhattan—5,600 miles away.
He told supporters their donations would help Christian refugees in the Middle East. Instead, federal authorities say, he paid for luxury travel, cosmetic surgery, and personal expenses.
Arrest and Charges
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams announced Bielecki’s arrest on August 17, charging him with wire and mail fraud. The priest is jailed in Westchester County on a bond violation and deemed a flight risk.
“He used his position as a priest to gain trust and steal hundreds of thousands of dollars,” Williams said.
Community Leaders Feel Betrayed
Local leaders who once backed Bielecki’s fundraisers are outraged. Ralph Succar, a Brooklyn community organizer, helped raise money at a 2018 Bay Ridge event.
“We were deceived. He should be exposed,” Succar said.
Members of the Verrazano New York Rotary Club and the Salam Club donated out of goodwill, not knowing the funds would be misused.
Church Seeks Final Resolution
While Bielecki remains a priest in title, his permission to minister has been revoked. Church authorities in New York are coordinating with superiors in Rome to determine his future within the Capuchin order.
From Vow of Poverty to Prison Cell
Born in Poland, Bielecki joined the Franciscans in Krakow in 1994 and took a vow of poverty, relying on a modest monthly stipend and an order-issued credit card. He was ordained in 2001. Now, he faces years in prison if convicted.
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