Flemming Hansen and Mette Helbæk, a Danish chef duo renowned for their eco-conscious hospitality venture Stedsans in the Woods, are under intense scrutiny after allegedly fleeing Sweden for Guatemala amidst investigations by tax authorities and environmental regulators.
The couple, once celebrated for their sustainable lifestyle and culinary innovations, gained international recognition for Stedsans — a serene retreat of 16 wooden cabins nestled in the forests of Halland, Sweden. Lauded for its “magical” ambiance and back-to-nature ethos, the resort attracted global eco-tourism enthusiasts. However, recent developments paint a far darker picture.
According to reports by Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter and Danish daily Politiken, Hansen and Helbæk left behind significant environmental damage when they abruptly abandoned the site. Authorities discovered 158 barrels of untreated human waste, leaking wastewater, and numerous neglected animals — some of which reportedly died from exposure or were left without care. Local officials have described the situation as an “environmental crime,” with Daniel Helsing, the head of the local environment department, bluntly stating: “Voilà. Over 150 barrels of human shit.”
Stedsans was officially declared bankrupt in March, months after the couple reportedly registered their residence abroad just before the Christmas season. The retreat had been established in 2016, following the couple’s departure from Copenhagen, where they already faced millions of kroner in unpaid taxes. After relocating to Sweden, they allegedly racked up an additional tax debt of around 6 million SEK (approximately RM2.7 million).
Despite their financial troubles, Hansen and Helbæk have since resurfaced in Guatemala, where they are reportedly launching a new hotel project. On their website, the couple defended their actions, citing bureaucratic and financial pressures in Sweden. “We came very far with Stedsans,” they wrote, “but we also had to realise… 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 added that they likely have been declared bankrupt by Swedish authorities and expressed that their only intention was “to be a part of creating a more beautiful planet.”
When contacted by Dagens Nyheter, Hansen denied any wrongdoing related to animal welfare and criticized Swedish tax authorities, describing them as a “narcissistic entity” and estimating his outstanding debt at over 7 million SEK. He also claimed he now faces “a life in poverty.”
Both Danish and Swedish tax agencies were approached for comment. The Danish tax authority declined to respond, citing confidentiality regulations, while the Swedish agency has yet to issue a statement. Attempts to reach Hansen and Helbæk for further comment are ongoing. —New Straits Times
Image—gessato.com
