Stedsans consisted of 16 wooden cabins overlooking nature, and received praise from influential figures and critics, who described it as “magical” and “a charming luxury”.
However, a few months ago, the couple disappeared from the forest resort overnight. They also left behind several animals and 158 barrels of human excrement, according to an investigation by the newspapers Dagens Nyheter and Politiken.
It was also discovered that wastewater was being dumped in the forest.
Staff reported that several animals, including ducks, died after being left out in the open overnight when the owners disappeared.
Stedsans declared bankruptcy in March, and according to local media reports, the couple registered as residents abroad before Christmas.
The Investigation
According to the investigation, they left the Danish capital, where they owed millions of crowns to the local Treasury, in 2016 to move to Sweden.
There they founded Stedsans, but they also began to accumulate debts with the Swedish tax authorities, which supposedly amounted to 6 million Swedish crowns (almost half a million dollars).
This is what Stedsans looked like. (Photo: Stedsans/Instagram).
“Environmental Crime”
Local authorities described their actions as an “environmental crime“. Daniel Helsing, responsible for construction and the environment in Hylte County, confirmed this to Dagens Nyheter.
Meanwhile, Hansen denied any issues with animal management. When making a statement on social media, they pointed fingers at the authorities.
“We got far with Stedsans, but we also had to realize along the way that being entrepreneurs with a mission in a country where taxes are among the highest in the world and the bureaucracy is relentless, is an impossible task,” they wrote.
“When you read this, the Swedish tax authorities probably have declared us bankrupt. All we ever wanted was to contribute to a more beautiful planet,” they added.
They also described the Swedish tax authorities as a “narcissistic entity” and claimed they were “doomed to live in poverty“.
Despite debts and legal issues in Europe, the couple started a new hotel business in Guatemala, where they were located. According to Hansen, they are currently “borrowing money from friends and family” to finance their new venture.
On the other hand, several investors in the Stedsans project described the couple’s behavior as a “major scam”.
They accused them of committing financial crimes and serious tax fraud, according to Nordic media.
Have you checked out our YouTube channel? Subscribe now!
The Danish chef couple’s “eco-scam”. (Photo: Stedsans/Instagram).
