Danish couple , who gained popularity for their "forest resort” in Sweden fled from tax authorities and were traced to Guatemala—leaving behind 158 barrels of human waste , the Guardian reported.
Flemming Hansen and Mette Helbæk launched their allegedly eco-conscious retreat, Stedsans , in Halland, southern Sweden, inspired by what they described as a “call of the wild” they experienced while operating a well-known rooftop restaurant in Copenhagen.
However, a few months ago, it was revealed that the couple had disappeared, abandoning numerous animals and leaving behind 158 barrels of human waste, according to an investigation by newspapers Dagens Nyheter and Politiken. The probe also uncovered that wastewater had been discharged directly into the surrounding forest.
According to staff, several animals—including ducks—died after being left outdoors overnight by the couple, while others were abandoned when the owners disappeared.
Stedsans was officially declared bankrupt in March, and the couple had reportedly registered their residence overseas shortly before Christmas.
“We came very far with Stedsans, but we also had to realise on the way that being soul-driven entrepreneurs on a mission in a country where taxes are some of the highest in the world and bureaucracy is relentless, it is an impossible task,” they said in a message posted on their website.
“When you read this we have probably been declared bankrupt by the Swedish tax authorities. All we ever wanted was to be a part of creating a more beautiful planet,” they added.
The investigation revealed that the couple left Copenhagen in 2016—where they were already heavily indebted to Danish tax authorities—to relocate to Sweden. There, they established Stedsans but soon began accruing debt to Swedish tax authorities as well, reportedly totaling 6 million SEK (£470,000).
Flemming Hansen and Mette Helbæk launched their allegedly eco-conscious retreat, Stedsans , in Halland, southern Sweden, inspired by what they described as a “call of the wild” they experienced while operating a well-known rooftop restaurant in Copenhagen.
However, a few months ago, it was revealed that the couple had disappeared, abandoning numerous animals and leaving behind 158 barrels of human waste, according to an investigation by newspapers Dagens Nyheter and Politiken. The probe also uncovered that wastewater had been discharged directly into the surrounding forest.
According to staff, several animals—including ducks—died after being left outdoors overnight by the couple, while others were abandoned when the owners disappeared.
Stedsans was officially declared bankrupt in March, and the couple had reportedly registered their residence overseas shortly before Christmas.
“We came very far with Stedsans, but we also had to realise on the way that being soul-driven entrepreneurs on a mission in a country where taxes are some of the highest in the world and bureaucracy is relentless, it is an impossible task,” they said in a message posted on their website.
“When you read this we have probably been declared bankrupt by the Swedish tax authorities. All we ever wanted was to be a part of creating a more beautiful planet,” they added.
The investigation revealed that the couple left Copenhagen in 2016—where they were already heavily indebted to Danish tax authorities—to relocate to Sweden. There, they established Stedsans but soon began accruing debt to Swedish tax authorities as well, reportedly totaling 6 million SEK (£470,000).
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