A 73-year-old Hungarian man known in the media as the “Zala county fake Jesus” has been arrested in Italy after fleeing Hungary to avoid serving a prison sentence for defrauding his followers of HUF millions.
The man was detained by Italian police in Macerata on 7 July, a spokesperson for the Zala County Police Headquarters confirmed. Hungarian and Italian authorities have since begun extradition proceedings, although no date has yet been set for fake Jesus’ return to Hungary. His status on the Hungarian police’s wanted persons database has also been updated to “captured”.
Fake Jesus sentenced to four and a half years in prison
The man was the subject of a nationwide arrest warrant after failing to report to prison to begin serving a four-and-a-half-year sentence. According to the Zalaegerszeg Regional Court, he could not be located at his registered address, prompting the court to issue a warrant for his arrest.
He had originally been sentenced in October 2024 to six years’ imprisonment for 23 counts of fraud and one count of disorderly conduct. The court also ordered him to pay a HUF 300,000 fine and nearly HUF 19 million, plus interest, in compensation to his victims. On appeal, the sentence was reduced to four years and six months in November 2025, taking into account his advanced age and previous clean criminal record.
Followers allegedly manipulated for decades
According to the courts, the man claiming to be Jesus’ reincarnation spent decades presenting himself as a spiritual healer, energy therapist and saviour of souls. He organised group sessions and private consultations in several Hungarian cities, including Zalaegerszeg, Nagykanizsa, Pécs, Budapest and Böhönye.
During these gatherings, he reportedly preached about unconditional love, God, the Saviour, modesty, self-sacrifice and rejecting material wealth, while claiming he had little understanding of financial matters.
Investigators found that he portrayed himself as the reincarnation of Jesus, gradually gaining the trust of people seeking healing or spiritual guidance. Prosecutors said he created emotional dependence among his followers and increasingly influenced their personal relationships, career choices and financial decisions.
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Millions collected for charitable causes apparently funded luxury lifestyle
The court found that the man persuaded followers to donate money for what he described as charitable or noble causes, including buying homes, supporting people in need and funding children’s camps. Instead, prosecutors said the money was spent financing his own luxurious lifestyle.
The victims were defrauded of nearly HUF 20 million (EUR 55,200) in total. Some followers reportedly continued to believe in his spiritual mission throughout the investigation, while others questioned his activities but felt unable to break free from his influence. According to the court, he warned followers that anyone who “betrayed” him would become seriously ill.
Throughout the legal proceedings, the man denied criminal wrongdoing. While acknowledging that he was not Jesus, he maintained that he nevertheless possessed exceptional spiritual knowledge.
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