CDC-Linked Researcher Faces Fraud Charges Over $1 Million Autism Grant Scheme

Federal prosecutors say Thorsen funneled grant money — earmarked for autism research — into his own pockets

The cornerstone research used for years to silence vaccine-skeptical parents was co-authored by a scientist now accused of stealing over $1 million in CDC grant money.

Dr. Poul Thorsen, a Danish researcher who co-authored the landmark studies the CDC repeatedly cited to assure the world that childhood vaccines do not cause autism, is set to enter a plea hearing on September 1.

Federal prosecutors say Thorsen funneled grant money — earmarked for autism research — into his own pockets using fake invoices and forged documents. He faces 22 counts of wire fraud and money laundering following his extradition from Germany.

For years, the public was told to "trust the science, trust the institutions, trust the researchers" — with these very papers held up as the unshakeable foundation of vaccine safety policy.

Now, the man who helped build that narrative stands accused of betraying the integrity of the research itself.