Following an 18-month investigation, the Pontifical Mission Societies announced March 25, in a joint statement with the office of the New York State attorney general, the recovery of some $1.1 million in funds stolen by a now-deceased official of the organization.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman praised the Pontifical Mission Societies for its full cooperation in the investigation, including for reporting financial irregularities as soon as the staff discovered funds were missing and verified they had been diverted.

“I’m pleased that we’ve been able to recover the stolen charitable funds and return a large sum to the societies so they can continue their important mission,” Schneiderman said.

“Today’s agreement also ensures that these organizations will continue to enhance their controls to operate in a responsible fashion and prevent any future abuses.”

“It’s crucial that victimized organizations come forward and, like the Pontifical Mission Societies, take necessary steps to guard against future misconduct,” he said.